“Disrespectful” comments made by the main parliamentary opposition towards persons who have crossed over to the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C), have no place in modern Guyana’s democratic society, says President, Irfaan Ali.
During a live statement on Tuesday morning, the President stated that racism and division have no place in the country.
He reaffirmed the position that the PPP/C administration is implementing its strategic vision for a future built on mutual respect and national development. President Ali emphasized that persons should not be ridiculed or chastised for exercising their democratic right to join or show support for a political party of their choosing.
The President made these comments in response to the backlash that many Afro-Guyanese newcomers are facing for coming out in support of the PPP/C on Nomination Day. He further noted disparaging comments made by Opposition Leader, Aubrey Norton are of ‘great cause for concern’, especially against the backdrop of persons exercising their democratic rights in Local Government Elections proceedings. ([https://www.guyanastandard.com/2023/04/17/richards-was-under-the-radar-of-the-opposition-before-crossover-to-ppp-c-aubrey-norton/](https://www.guyanastandard.com/2023/04/17/richards-was-under-the-radar-of-the-opposition-before-crossover-to-ppp-c-aubrey-norton/ “smartCard-inline”)
[https://www.guyanastandard.com/2023/04/17/chase-green-was-no-asset-we-removed-her-from-last-lge-over-lack-of-popularity-norton/](https://www.guyanastandard.com/2023/04/17/chase-green-was-no-asset-we-removed-her-from-last-lge-over-lack-of-popularity-norton/ “smartCard-inline”) )
According to the President, Norton, nor any political party, owns any group regardless of their race and perceived loyalty. He asserted that this “backward type of politics” is something from the past and cannot bring people together.
The President also attributed the large turnout to people’s confidence in the PPP/C’s mandate and vision for Guyana. He also congratulated the candidates and expressed appreciation to the party supporters for their hard work in ensuring that the PPP can contest in every constituency.
