PNC’s election was a welcome return to democratic principles

The People’s National Congress membership delivered a strong message of rejection to David Granger and his clique with the election of its new leader, officials, and central committee members. Unlike most organization elections, the PNC affair was not decided by behind-thescenes negotiations and deals, it was a battle royal with votes split between as many as eight candidates for key posts. It is a welcome return to democratic principles for the PNC and also augurs well for the nation.

It is unfortunate and immoral that Joseph Harmon has made a pronouncement that he (Harmon) would remain as the Leader of the Opposition in Parliament (a constitutional office), for while theoretically, David Granger is the Leader of the APNU/AFC list and sole determination of who sits on the parliamentary opposition benches, the practical reality is that Aubrey Norton is now Leader of the

Opposition and will ultimately decide the makeup and policy positions of the opposition. David Granger may try to hold onto his title as Leader of the List, he (Granger) does have a history of willfully ignoring norms but I am optimistic that Aubrey Norton knows how to apply pressure in subtle, and not-so-subtle, means (We would all hate to see a street protest in Pearl) as needed to ensure the former President sees the wisdom in working with the new leader of the People’s National Congress. There is no doubt that morally, the Office of The Leader of the Opposition (and all the resources afforded it) belongs to Aubrey Norton as of his election yesterday.

I look forward to seeing the Aubrey Norton vision for a vibrant opposition playing on the hallowed halls of our National Assembly of the Parliament soonest.

Sincerely,

Robin Singh