– Those who control the purse have power keep their support base happy while discussions on policies take a back seat-Hughes
As political parties gear for an electoral battle of the best policies, there is an underlying truth about Guyana’s politics that many are aware of but hardly ever address. According to Alliance For Change (AFC) Leader, Nigel Hughes, ethnic voting has a very strong hold on the outcome of elections.
During an appearance on Context, a talk show led by veteran journalist Enrico Woolford, Hughes addressed this uncomfortable truth. He opined that the 2015 elections which saw the APNU+AFC being victorious at the poll, offered a glimmer of hope.
“I think there was movement away from the traditional voting practice, whether people stayed away, as opposed to whether they came out and specifically voted against the traditional votes. But I think that ethnic politics still has a very strong hold on elections in the end. That’s a fact,” said Hughes.
He also shared his perspective on the impact oil money has had on the political psyche. The situation is as such, he said, that citizens are now aware there are enough resources to take care of their needs, to finally end poverty through meaningful policies and programmes.
Given the oil revenues received to date from oil production, totalling over US$5 billion from three projects, Hughes contends that the political discourse should be who has the best policies to take the country forward.
“Unfortunately, in Guyana, the battle is who’s going to control the purse, because to control the purse means you can then give it to your supporters. And that should not be the approach,” said Hughes.
Hughes alluded that today, it is more difficult to have a sustained discussion on the strength of policies for the citizenry when those who control the purse have the means to keep their constituency in a state of comfort.
