The ruling People’s Progressive Party (PPP) is set to formally launch its election manifesto in early July, with the party currently deep in the process of vetting candidates across all regions, General Secretary Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo has announced.
Addressing the party’s preparations, Dr. Jagdeo highlighted the challenge of candidate selection, noting that the PPP faces an overwhelming demand to be included on its electoral list.
“For every list, maybe 400 or 500 people want to get on, but space is limited. Some parties struggle to find candidates, while we must disappoint many aspiring members,” he explained.
The vetting process, he noted, is being conducted democratically with consultations involving party activists and supporters throughout all ten regions of Guyana.
The party is also ensuring the integrity of its backers by strictly adhering to the Guyana Elections Commission’s (GECOM) prescribed form, which includes a clear declaration of support for the PPP’s candidate list.
This measure aims to prevent the misuse and deception reported in past elections, where individuals were sometimes misled into unknowingly backing candidates.
Dr. Jagdeo criticised such practices, underscoring the PPP’s commitment to transparency and proper procedures.
“In the past, some people were made to sign blank sheets or were unaware they were supporting a particular party. We are making sure that does not happen again in our process,” he said.
On the manifesto itself, Dr. Jagdeo revealed that the PPP’s plans for the next five years have been in development for over a year and are the product of organic, collective party deliberations rather than outsourced writing. This approach, he said, contrasts with controversies faced by other parties over manifesto authorship.
“We don’t outsource the development of our manifesto to individuals who then claim blackmail or disputes. Our manifesto reflects the party’s genuine assessment of the country’s needs and our plans to address them,” he stated.
While the General and Regional Elections are slated for September 1, 2025, Nomination Day is scheduled for July 14, 2025.
