Coalition Collapse: AFC and APNU to Contest 2025 Elections Separately

Introduction to the Coalition Collapse

Opposition parties in Guyana, the Alliance For Change (AFC) and A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), will not contest the 2025 elections as a coalition, following the collapse of talks to revive their former political alliance.

“Regrettably, despite the best efforts of our negotiation team, we’ve been unable to arrive at a mutually beneficial arrangement with APNU,” AFC executive David Patterson said at a press conference on Thursday. He confirmed the AFC’s decision to formally withdraw from coalition discussions, stating the party will now proceed independently given that “time is of the essence.”

Background to the Coalition Talks

The two parties had agreed in January 2025 to explore the possibility of rekindling their coalition, which had successfully contested the 2015 elections and governed until their defeat in 2020. Talks were expected to conclude by the end of March, but no agreement was reached by that deadline.

A key sticking point was the issue of leadership. Opposition Leader and head of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNC/R), Aubrey Norton, had made clear his intention to lead any future coalition. However, the AFC remained firm in its support for its leader, Nigel Hughes, as the presidential candidate.

Future Collaboration and Implications

Despite the impasse, Patterson said the AFC remains open to future collaboration. “We still believe there are other avenues through which the two opposition parties can collaborate,” he said. “And the door is always open should there be a change of heart ahead of Nomination Day.”

The AFC and APNU’s previous partnership under the APNU+AFC banner brought them to power in 2015, unseating the long-ruling People’s Progressive Party (PPP). But the alliance unraveled following their loss in the disputed 2020 elections, and efforts to reunite have now officially fallen through.

Impact on the 2025 Elections

With the 2025 elections fast approaching, the divided opposition will now head into the race on separate paths, reshaping the political dynamics ahead of a crucial vote.

Conclusion

The collapse of the coalition talks between the AFC and APNU marks a significant shift in Guyana’s political landscape. As the country prepares for the 2025 elections, the opposition parties will need to navigate their new separate paths and find ways to appeal to voters. The outcome of the elections will depend on various factors, including the parties’ campaign strategies and their ability to win over undecided voters.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What were the main reasons for the collapse of the coalition talks between the AFC and APNU?

A: The main reason for the collapse of the coalition talks was the issue of leadership, with the AFC supporting its leader Nigel Hughes as the presidential candidate and the APNU supporting its leader Aubrey Norton.

Q: Will the AFC and APNU contest the 2025 elections separately?

A: Yes, the AFC and APNU will contest the 2025 elections separately, following the collapse of the coalition talks.

Q: What are the implications of the coalition collapse for the 2025 elections?

A: The coalition collapse will likely reshape the political dynamics ahead of the 2025 elections, with the opposition parties needing to navigate their new separate paths and find ways to appeal to voters.