Dear Editor,

What a display by members of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) at the just concluded election for leadership of the Georgetown District. What a public embarrassment to the party. At a time when Guyanese are searching for an alternative to the blatant mismanagement and marginalization that disregards the hard-working citizens of this country, we see this chaotic disorganized upheaval of people squabbling over who should lead the Georgetown District.

If in fact the electoral process was flawed then the results should be made null and void, but if it was done transparently then the results should be upheld.  There seems to be a lot of questions to answer as to why a simple activity that involves persons uplifting ballot papers and ticking who they want to be their district leader and placing them in a ballot box, became marred by confusion. Wasn’t there an established process map for this event? Come on, this is a serious indictment of the administrators of the PNCR.

What does the PNCR think outsiders are thinking right now when they see that degree of lawlessness and poor administration of a simple process? Do they think they will attract new voters this way? Are they planning to retain the members of their constituencies with this kind of breakdown in respect and alleged dishonesty? Mr Murray in his pep talk before the madness began was right. The PNCR is the “eyepass” of the government. Actually they’ve become an eyesore in the political tapestry in Guyana.

Imagine the leader of the PNCR can’t even control his own flock. If a simple activity like electing a district chairman has so much controversy how can the PNCR really believe it would be an attraction for young voters and the undecided? How can the party that was once the ruling party be reduced to this discontented, disillusioned group? It’s the leadership that is the problem. Mr Burnham and Mr Hoyte must be turning in their graves when they see the rapid destruction of a force that was once truly the People’s National Congress. Mr Corbin must take the splinter out of his own eye before he calls on others to remove the plank that is in theirs. Some people are indeed good followers. If only they would recognize that and act accordingly.

I have penned it before in the columns of this newspaper that the PNCR should really try and correct its image very soon if it intends to become an electable force with which to be reckoned. The year 2011 is right around the corner!

Yours faithfully,
Richard Francois