Dear Editor,
There have been many commentaries and letters in the press about who should be the next presidential candidate for the PPP/C in 2011.This is an ambitious and formidable topic as the candidates’ election is both complex and fluid, and there is no clearly defined or easy way forward. As politicians and dialecticians we must, however, examine trends and contradictions and identify the potential candidate in every aspect. This does not make me right, but merely helpful in focusing on the correct person for the presidency.
I want to identify Comrade Donald Ramotar as the most suitable and qualified person for that position, since he has displayed all the good qualities and is a keen listener to problems. At one time it had seemed that more comrades would enter the race, but eventually there were only five. Cde Ramotar’s support will be increased tenfold with a two-thirds majority at the election, through the rallying of the loyalists.
His victory will be owing to many factors, including the genuine impact of his achievements in party groups after the unexpected and untimely death of our liberation hero and founder-leader, Dr Cheddi Jagan. It is evident that all the candidates are confident of winning the presidency once the secret ballot is implemented. Never was there so much enthusiasm and expectation among PPP members throughout Guyana. While the scenario is still emerging, it would appear that some hitherto prominent backers of Cdes Rohee, Nagamootoo, Teixeira and Ramkarran have come around to a position, however reluctantly, that they should live with the outcome of the election and unite the party forever, accepting that confrontation is not an option, and they need to talk to each other.
This does not mean that the party should not find ways of returning to the notion of uniting and bringing back those old stalwarts who helped fight for democracy; this must not be swept under the carpet, with the pretence that it does not exist. For me, an analysis of the situation must take us beyond the results of the candidacy. The strength of a national democracy resides with the people and their institutions, and it is our duty to harness this strength, While we lead at the top, we must build our strength from the bottom and put people’s power at the top.
Yours faithfully,
Mohamed Khan
