Leader of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) and A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), Aubrey Norton, has urged the Alliance For Change (AFC) to put its demands in writing after the two sides met today.
In a written statement issued last night, the AFC insisted that its leader, Nigel Hughes, be the presidential candidate in any coalition with APNU.
The AFC also stated that it would accept 40 per cent of all levels of government, with the remaining 60 per cent of positions allocated to APNU.
Additionally, the party asserted that the party from which the presidential candidate is named shall not be permitted to nominate or occupy the position of leader of the list.
Speaking after today’s meeting, Norton said the parties have agreed that the AFC will submit its recommendations in writing, after which further discussions will be held. He noted that the PNCR has not closed the door on the coalition.
Hughes, in a brief statement, described the talks as useful and expressed optimism, stating that the AFC looks forward to future engagements.
The electoral strength of the AFC has significantly diminished since 2015, to the point that it did not contest the 2022 Local Government Elections.
The PNCR remains the largest party in the APNU coalition.
While acknowledging the importance of a united opposition, Norton had previously appeared to dismiss the idea of Hughes leading a coalition of opposition parties.
“I don’t believe that we should just take the hard work we do and give it to anybody who just flies off a tree top, lands on the ground, and says you must be the presidential candidate,” he had said.
Speaking at his party’s recent General Council meeting, Norton reiterated that APNU is committed to working towards a coalition but emphasised, “We not gon let anybody tek dem eyes and pass we.”
“We are well aware that we are better together, but we are also well aware that we carry the burden of the work. And I want to make this commitment to you—that this party will not allow anybody to ride on your backs. We are prepared to engage and be reasonable, but we are not prepared to bend over backwards,” he affirmed.
