The People’s Progressive Party (PPP) presidential hopefuls were given another opportunity on Tuesday to speak on national issues before the party’s Executive Committee (ExCo) as it moves ahead to select the candidate for this year’s general elections.
The prospective candidates spoke on subjects such as national unity, economic policies, youth development/involvement and governance, a statement from the party said. “Members of the Executive Committee were given the opportunity to ask questions and seek clarifications from the hopeful Presidential Candidates.
This particular session was chaired by Executive Committee member Dr. Roger Luncheon,” the statement added.
So far, PPP General Secretary Donald Ramotar, House Speaker Ralph Ramkarran, Home Minister Clement Rohee and Presidential Advisor Gail Teixeira have appeared before the ExCo. They had all previously appeared before the ExCo.
The party noted that the exercise at the level of the ExCo will continue as the body prepares for a proposal for consideration of the Central Committee, subsequently.
Last week, PPP MP Moses Nagamootoo, who declared his interest in being the candidate, said he would not submit himself to the selection process.
He maintained that the selection process was flawed and he added that he would withdraw his interest in being the candidate should the Executive Committee identify a candidate. “That will be a fraudulent decision,” he said.
Nagamootoo has been calling for a selection system that would involve the party’s wider membership for almost a year now without success.
Asked about withdrawing his interest, Nagamootoo said the answer was not within him. “I maintain that I am qualified and offer myself as presidential candidate,” he said, while adding that he still enjoys widespread support among the Guyanese people.
