The PPP has just unveiled its manifesto, days before the election, while the main opposition alliance is yet to do same. For the 2011 election, the AFC outlined its Action Plan or manifesto in January of that year, a good 10.5 months before the election date. Now, that was confidence! What are some features of a visionary manifesto? What are some principles on which the manifesto should be based? In general, it should indicate broad and consistent vision of where the political party intends to take the country. It must have some economic logic tying together the broad proposals.
First, the manifesto must have some basic ingredients of how to tackle the chronic problem of the shortage of human resources. At minimum, therefore, it should include a vision of upgrading post-secondary education. It must show an understanding of how the University of Guyana (including CPCE) can help to improve the education standards at the primary and secondary school level.
The document must clearly outline sensible measures of physical security, so that human capital is not wasted in the underground economy, compelled to migrate or get killed by bandits and drug runners. Superior healthcare will also improve human capital. Voters should read the documents to see which party has a vision such that Mr. Jagdeo or Dr. Luncheon will confidently stay at home for medical treatment and surgery, like Mr. Burnham who chose the
