The hunt is on in the coalition camp for a prime ministerial candidate to stick by Aubrey Norton’s side during the upcoming election campaign. It has long been decided that A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) will petition the electorate with Norton as the man for presidency. But from all appearances, the coalition is still to decide on his running mate.
In a clip recently posted on the coalition’s Facebook page, Norton is seen outlining some of the essential qualities to be possessed by his running mate.
Foremost among those qualities is the willingness to put the country’s interests above theirs. This requirement appears vital given the commentary recently coming out of the coalition’s camp following the resignation of Geeta Chandan- Edmond and Daniel Seeram both of whom have been labelled “opportunists”.
But perhaps just as important as it is for the candidate to not be self-serving, is the need for such candidate to offer some level of diversity.
“We want to bring diversity to the team,” said Norton. While the presidential hopeful did not specify this to be ethnic diversity, given the tradition of having an Indo-Guyanese prime ministerial candidate, such a conclusion would not be far-fetched.
Further, Norton stated that the coalition wishes to have someone who is competent, intellectually as well as willing to put in the necessary ground work.
He explained, “There are many who can be intellectual but they are high up in world and don’t want to touch the ground.”
He said the party is seeking a candidate that is “prepared to do work with the people and one that buys into the vision we have for Guyana. We believe that whoever is the prime ministerial candidate must be one who serve the people and not themselves.”
Recently, none other than long time political activist, Dr. David Hinds said that PNCR sometimes appoint Indo-Guyanese to positions in a bid to publicly embrace diversity. He called it ethnic window dressing and said that it is a practice of all parties. Dr. Hinds said this as he chastised those who recently endorsed President Irfaan Ali for a second term while holding public offices to which they were appointed by APNU. Dr. Hinds said those politicians, both Indo-Guyanese are self-serving.
