David Granger leads nominations for PNCR leader

Opposition Leader David Granger has received the most nominations for the position of leader of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) as the party congress draws near.
The party’s current leader, Robert Corbin while indicating that he will not run for any position, has indicated he will like to remain on the party’s Central Executive Committee.
A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) Member of Parliament Carl Greenidge came in second, according to General Secretary Oscar Clarke, who was addressing media operatives on Friday at the party’s headquarters, Sophia, Georgetown.
At the time, he was updating the press on the party’s 17th Biannual Delegates Congress slated for Friday, July 27 to Sunday, July 29. Clarke said at the close of nominations on June 15, 174 party groups both locally and internationally had been approved by the secretariat for accreditation with the total voters numbering more than 800 persons.
From that total, he disclosed that 168 groups had opted to nominate persons to head the main opposition party with the majority signalling their intention to back Granger, leaving Greenidge and the other contenders out in the cold.
“For the position of leader, the following number of nominations was recorded, for each of the persons named: Volda Lawrence, one nomination; Basil Williams, one; Aubrey Norton, one nomination; Robert Corbin two nominations; Carl Greenidge, 55 nominations and David Granger, 108 nominations.”
Meanwhile, for the position of chairman, 159 groups cast their nominations of which 60 of them were in support of the party’s current Chairman Bishwaishwar “Cammie” Ramsaroop, while 57 supported Basil Williams. A total of 328 party groups nominated persons to fill the post of first and second vice chairpersons. In this aspect of the elections, George Norton received the highest nominations, 106, followed by Basil Williams with 80 nominations. Ronald Bulkan also received overwhelming support for the post of party treasurer.
Additionally, 15 persons will be vying to be members of the Central Executive Committee. While the number of delegates who accepted their nomination at the time is a bit sketchy; the general secretary disclosed that the party’s outgoing leader Robert Corbin has indicated that he will not be running for any other post other than member of the Central Executive Committee.

He also warned that due to elections patterns over the years; there might have a variation in the votes when compared with the nominations as he made reference to the minor positions. Not wanting to speculate, he said in the case of the leadership position, Clarke contended the nominations can dictate the voting pattern.
He said to guarantee supporters of the PNCR that elections will be one that is free, fair and transparent on the final day of the congress; elections day, strict systems are being instituted.
“I can say now that there will be very strict observance of rules which have been worked out, and are being sent out to the groups so that they know in advance all of the rules which are going to be observed for the elections.”
When questioned about the returning officer, the general secretary said the party is presently ironing out this aspect of the elections, noting that an individual has been approached and has since indicated his/her interest, but the name will be released after all has been finalised.
Giving a general analysis on the preparations leading up to this much anticipated event, Clarke said plans are moving apace. Under the theme “A united PNCR, securing our future through a government of national unity,” the congress will be opened on Friday, July 27 with the outgoing leader Robert Corbin delivering the feature address.
Saturday, July 28 has been set aside to deal with the business affairs of the party, while the final day Sunday, July 29 will see party members and supporters casting their ballots for leaders of their choice. According to the general secretary, the upcoming congress aims to “advance a dialogue within the party regarding its role and contribution towards the goal of a united and prosperous Guyana”.