With some of the main opposition parties already in talks about the formation of a Coalition to contest the 2025 General and Regional Elections, the Leader of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR), Aubrey Norton today said clear criteria must be set out for the selection of a Presidential Candidate, should such a coalition be formed.

Norton, a political scientist, leads the largest opposition party in the country followed by Attorney-at-Law Nigel Hughes, who is the Leader of the Alliance For Change (AFC). 

In previous interviews, Norton has said he believes the Presidential Candidate for a coalition involving the PNCR would have to come from that party, since it has the largest base of supporters among the opposition parties. The Alliance For Change has earmarked its leader as its Presidential Candidate.

The PNC and AFC are still to have formal talks, but on their own, the two parties have been meeting with other opposition parties about working together in the run up to the 2025 elections.

Mr. Norton addressed the issue at his party’s press conference this morning.

“Look at the abilities intellectual and otherwise and then we can make a rational decision but this cannot be some arbitrary thing, in which somebody flies from the sky and decide that they will be president. One of the things for me, a leader of a political party has to be able to do, is to withstand pressure not resign soon some pressure come to you, and while I wouldn’t attack anyone, when it comes to dealing with a presidential candidate, we will have to identity the criteria and see who fits the criteria, and I am prepared to be involved in that process,” Norton told reporters. 

But from the onset, Norton made it clear that during its last Congress, the PNCR passed a resolution identifying him as its Presidential Candidate for the 2025 Elections. 

Norton said he is academically qualified to be a Presidential Candidate, and has not only received the endorsement of his party, but endorsement from people on the ground. 

However, he assured that he will do what whatever is necessary to get rid of the ruling People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government. 

“I am guided by the People’s National Congress, which is the major party in the coalition. And I am saying to you, the party that I represent has made it very clear that I should be the Presidential Candidate. And if per chance, we are considering anybody else, it must be the decision of me the leader. And I would say this to you, I would do everything to ensure that we get rid of the PPP. And that guarantee I give to you,” he said. 

The PNCR Leader said the joint opposition must do what is necessary to bring down the Irfaan Ali Administration. 

“We must weaken this government. We must do everything [and] if it demands coalition to change this government, we will do that. Because the worse thing for the people of Guyana, at this stage, is the Irfaan Ali Government,” Norton said 

Jumping to the defense of the Leader of the PNCR, PNCR Executive and Opposition Member of Parliament, Ganesh Mahipaul told reporters that the party has reposed confidence in Norton because his records are clean. 

According to MP Mahipaul, Norton is not only qualified, but he is also fit and proper for the job. 

He said unlike some politicians, Norton has not once been fingered in any acts of corruption or bribery, and has extensive experience in foreign relations both at the bilateral and multilateral levels. 

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