Dear Editor,
The upsurge in the formation of small political parties campaigning for a place and position in Guyana’s troubled political landscape should not be readily dismissed as decorative to the whole electoral season. They are in their dedicated efforts projecting an image of competing, and in so doing, bringing unnecessary attention to themselves, if not causing national distraction and snafu. Alongside their hyperbolic and sycophantic posture, however, they are sending messages rather than seeking change, whatever the latter word means in Guyana’s pandora box of politics. Put differently, their collective thoughts are abstractive, trying to secure a political parking space which they hope to use as a fodder to whip up disgruntled feelings, regrettably. The mere existence of these small political parties, numbering about fourteen, is more about feelings and messages rather than actions. Their words do not match or marry their actions.
The mushrooming and supposed existence of these small political parties have given rise to several questions, some unanswerable. What has caused them to emerge so suddenly? How prepared are they in delivering what they propose? What is their convincing template, apart from what they are rambling about? Do they understand, as the saying goes, that one swallow does not make summer? The idea that one or two small parties have made it to the national scene does not mean other small parties can do the same. From these questions, some observations can be gleaned regarding their victims of circumstances situation.
Their core message is that all is not well with the current caretaker government, rightly so. They see and sense a political vacuum that they can exploit to their advantage. This scenario has become increasingly possible with the successful passage of the No-Confidence Motion, an approach typical in politics 101. They stand a chance to be the victim of fire and brimstone syndrome in their pursuit, however, because frontline policies from them and support for them are wantonly lacking.
Their message to the citizenry appears unconnected and carpetbagged to the current domestic circumstances, rendering themselves further away from the limelight of attracting votes outside their insular base. Not much convincing thoughts have emanated from them challenging authoritarian bullying, GECOM shenanigans, Parliamentary breach, bullyragging of the working class, among other numerous violations and transgressions sweeping across the mud land. This is the time to shine brightly but they are missing in action. What can you do now, since the situation is ripe, to convince voters that you are worth your salt? Being so small, one would have expected them to group up and campaign on a mutuality of interest and policy just to gain access through the political door and to occupy a seat at the political table. Their collective motto sounds like I am not creating, joining or embracing any coalition, a blow to the current caretaker regime insofar as violating the trust, potential and capability of coalition politics. Nonetheless, the goal of achieving a minimum seat is worth pursuing when considering the current caretaker government is not only interested in winning the next election but “getting rid” of all opposition. Of significance also is that the leaders of the smallest parties are mainly of Indian extraction. What is this telling us? More on this at another time. Finally, and except for ANUG, most of the small political parties are spewing bovine scatology. Man, it is so hard to follow the train of thoughts of the leaders of some small parties. They are inarticulate and clumsy.
Yours faithfully,
Lomarsh Roopnarine
