Dear Editor,
At this final stage of decision-making in the selection of a presidential candidate the members of the Central Committee of the PPP should remind themselves that the qualities of a good political leader include integrity, credibility, conviction, competency, responsibility, accountability, and trustworthiness. In addition, the Guyana situation requires a political leader who is a harmonizer and a conciliator, with the capabilities of unifying the ethnic groups in the country. While it may be difficult to find a single individual with all of the aforementioned qualities and traits, the Central Committee members should, nevertheless, act decisively and responsibly and elect someone who will be respected and trusted at the national and international levels. Hence, in the election process cronyism and nepotism must not be tolerated. Here it should be emphasized that it is well known that if a leader is elected through nepotism then corruption will be perpetuated because self-seeking and opportunistic individuals will be able to manipulate the leader. Once in power, the leader and many followers will feel that they have a sense of entitlement. Corruption and administrative malpractices will then become part and parcel of social and institutional structures.
While each of the members on the Central Committee may have some of the necessary qualities that merits their selection as the next presidential candidate, rational choice methods dictate that they must select the one candidate with the most diverse and desired qualities. Therefore, it is necessary to be extremely judicious and select the one candidate who is most likely to resist the temptation of corruption. They should narrow their choices in a rational manner. If, for example, they have two choices, say for instance Ralph Ramkarran and Robert Persaud, then they should make their selection on who is the best candidate to foster and promote the ideals of PPP. In this respect, Ralph Ramkarran, a stalwart and trustworthy member of the PPP, should be chosen as the presidential candidate. Admittedly, their task may become complicated because numerous reports suggest that there is a ‘hustler’ on the Central Committee. As such, many of the members may be manipulated against their true wishes. What a pity!
Yours faithfully,
VC Lakhan
D Lakhan
