The Working People’s Alliance (WPA) has returned to the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR)-led A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), ahead of the September 1, 2025, poll – a move that has sparked mixed reactions since the announcement a few weeks ago.
After severing ties with the partnership in 2020 following APNU+AFC’s electoral defeat, the WPA backed neither the ruling People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) nor its ex-partner. Like the proverbial cheese, it stood alone. But gradually, the WPA started to appear on the side that was further away from the government, and it oftentimes met the PNCR there.
Before long, the two parties were in sync, like Simon and Garfunkel. To the casual political observer, the PNCR and WPA were indistinguishable. The WPA began to endorse the PNCR’s positions and echo its rhetoric. Their shared objectives gave the impression that though the WPA had left the partnership, it never strayed far from home. Perhaps this is why the announcement of a reunion was not earthshattering to many, since it had simply confirmed what had become increasingly apparent – that they would officially become one in time for the next election.
Another reason why the pronouncement probably failed to faze many is the political reality in which small parties with no viable path to electoral victory on their own tend to align with heavyweights to remain relevant and, yes, to survive, much like the “gaulin” that sits on the back of the cow, graceful but opportunistic.
Although the gaulin gets struck by the cow’s tail from time to time, it always returns faithful and forgiving and unaware that the cow is often oblivious or perhaps chooses to ignore the little presence clinging to its hide. This dynamic is maybe why some see the reunion as a relapse on the part of the WPA, especially in light of the party’s earlier lamentations of being pinned into submission by an uncompromising and domineering PNCR.
In an article published by this news agency on September 22, 2019, titled “APNU ignored our proposals since gaining power”, WPA Executive Member Dr. David Hinds expressed frustration four years into the Coalition’s term, over APNU’s failure to adopt a single recommendation proposed by his party.
In another article published by the Guyana Standard on January 11, 2022, the WPA, which was now in opposition and out of the partnership, said that the PNCR dominated the decision-making process within APNU, even when it came to sharing the spoils. During the five months that the country waited in limbo for the March 2020 Election results, the WPA was not privy to any decision taken by the PNCR. The WPA was sidelined both in and out of government, adding credence to the age-old adage, “come see meh and come live wid me is two different thing”.
It is for these reasons that some observers might have found it surprising that the WPA would return to a partnership in which it had been dominated and neglected for years, especially during and immediately after the coalition’s tenure.
One can argue that the WPA’s move to rejoin the APNU mirrors that of a paramour returning to the very partner at whose hands they were ill-treated and neglected. But more than that, the WPA has been overly accommodating to the APNU despite the history of bad treatment. Shockingly, it has returned to the union seeking nothing in exchange.
Dr. Hinds, in his recent “Politics 101” show, said that the WPA “sacrificed its individuality” when it went into the 2020 elections because it was more focused on creating and being a part of a “grand coalition”. The same approach, he said, is being taken now with the APNU ahead of the 2025 election.
He further revealed that the WPA has made no demands of the APNU, neither regarding the allocation of seats nor the selection of a presidential candidate. According to him, the party’s primary objective is to help build a united front against the PPP/C.
But how can a party hope to inspire others to join a cause when it has surrendered its individuality, refrained from asserting itself, had made no demands, and is effectively absorbed? Also, these were the very reasons why it left in 2020. So, why return under the same conditions?
Yes, unity toward a common goal requires alignment, but Coalition-building must be rooted in mutual respect and shared influence regardless of size and strength. Otherwise, what is being built is not a coalition, but a chorus where only one voice sings lead while the others hum along in obscurity, much like what is being done by members of the APNU, most of them you’ve probably never heard about.
Also, the WPA’s vision of a “grand coalition” appears increasingly unrealistic for now, especially as discussions between the APNU and the AFC to coalesce have fallen through the cracks. The AFC confirmed last week that it will contest the upcoming elections on its own. Businessman Azruddin Mohamed has also ruled out the possibility of an alliance.
Within APNU itself, aside from the PNCR, the remaining parties- The Guyana Action Party (GAP), the Guyana Nation Builders Party (GNBP), the National Front Alliance (NFA), and the Equal Rights and Justice Party (ERJP)- command little to no influence over the electorate. These are minor political players with no visibility and no track record of influencing national outcomes. The WPA is virtually the same. Perhaps this is why it has made no demands. It brings nothing and expects nothing, is the message being sent.
Why, then, was APNU quick to welcome the WPA back into its fold? What does it hope to gain? Has it welcomed the WPA to show the World that it believes in Coalition Politics? Or has it developed a soft spot for political wanderers, those who leave when things get tough but return when elections loom?
Last Friday, during a PNCR Press Conference, APNU Chairman, Aubrey Norton was asked what assurances he can give that the WPA will be treated better this time around.
This was his response: “I can say to you, as leader of the opposition and chair of the APNU, we have always engaged the WPA, and I don’t think that we have to give them any reassurances. I believe that they accept that there is some kind of a symbiotic relationship between the WPA Leadership.”
In biology, a symbiotic relationship is a close, prolonged association between two or more different species or entities. It is a mutually beneficial coexistence where each provides the required conditions for the other to survive.
So, the APNU will provide required conditions for the WPA to survive. What will the WPA provide? Votes?
Well, the WPA, for its part, claims it wants to help deliver a stronger voter turnout and predicts a “close election.” It promises to focus on mobilising the opposition’s “traditional base”.
If that is what it has to offer, the WPA is failing abysmally. It is a curious pledge, considering the WPA’s most prominent voice, Dr. David Hinds, has spared little in his criticism of that very base, particularly those who have shifted allegiance to the PPP.
His colourful commentary has, at times, bordered on alienation rather than reconciliation. The WPA seems to want to offer a guilt trip rather than a genuine plan to fight for those lost to the red, yellow and black. And what of attracting those from non-traditional bases?
Surely, the PNCR/APNU must be focused on both reconciliation and tapping into the PPP’s support base. In fact, it is imperative that it does, especially in light of the recent crossovers to the PPP and with the promise of more to come as the election season unfolds.
The WPA appears to be working against this grain.
Even if the PNCR/APNU and WPA alliance wins the 2025 elections, the chances of the WPA securing a meaningful seat at the table remain slim. The PNCR will undoubtedly dominate the vote count, leaving little room for the WPA to assert influence. But the WPA has no grounds to complain. It has created its own doom by openly admitting to making no demands. In essence, the WPA is heading back to the same powerless position it held from 2015 to 2020: no sway and no say. A total relapse.
