AFC’s Khemraj Ramjattan, Raphael Trotman and Valerie Garrido-Lowe among other party members addressing the media at a press conference held Wednesday
The Alliance For Change (AFC) on Wednesday stated that their party is not likely to win the general elections, given the preliminary reports of the ballots counted, but the party is optimistic about holding the balance of power in the 65-seat National Assembly when it convenes.
Party leader Raphael Trotman said despite this, the AFC will continue to make strides in winning the hearts of Guyanese, who are ready to accept change and development.
Trotman said, “As we speak the AFC can confirm that our party would not be the winners in this year’s elections. There seems to be a very close race between the PPP/C and the APNU. We are, however, trending well and we are set to do better than we did in 2006.” The party said it’s also optimistic that no single party will get 51 percent of the vote.
Trotman also believes that if this happens, Guyana will be heading for “a new dawn and dispensation of politics” in Guyana.
He also expressed his party’s disappointment in the Guyana Elections Commission’s performance.
“We are also distressed and disturbed about GECOM’s inadequacies, because we were told that they were ready. We have already seen a touch of arrogance and yet 48 hours after, no results given and this is causing unnecessary tensions,” he said. As a result of the tension and rumours being spread, the AFC encouraged Guyanese to remain calm.
Presidential candidate Khemraj Ramjattan told the media, that he hopes that the system at GECOM becomes more effective.
“We largely trust the system, it would have its hiccups, but we feel that the political will of the Guyanese electorate will emerge from the results,” Ramjattan stated.
The AFC also declared its position on negotiating with parties. Ramjattan said, “At this stage, we are not making any deals. We would like to assure the electorate that their will in Parliament will be proceeded with.” The party’s presidential candidate said if no one party wins the 50 percent majority, it will usher in a whole new political order.
This, he stated, would allow for greater political order, for leaders to sit together and work out issues which matter most to the Guyanese population. The AFC has, so far, seen itself wining at least 17 percent of total votes, which could give them the balance of power.
