The Working People’s Alliance (WPA) said it is comfortable supporting either of the two men being considered to lead an opposition coalition for the 2025 General and Regional Elections. This position was articulated today by WPA Executive Member, Dr. David Hinds.
His comments come against the backdrop of the Alliance For Change (AFC) and the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), examining the possibility of coalescing again to take on the ruling Peoples Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C).
Talks appear to have hit a roadblock regarding who will lead the “grand” coalition. Would it be the AFC’s Leader, Nigel Hughes or Aubrey Norton, the Leader of the People’s National Congress Reform and the APNU.
The WPA, which is part of the APNU, says it will not show its preference, noting that both candidates are well-suited to lead.
Dr. Hinds told media operatives today that, “It is not an easy decision to make”.
“Suffice to say, that the WPA has said, and we are repeating today, that we are comfortable with either Mr. Norton or Mr. Hughes as the presidential candidate. We don’t have a judgment that we are prepared to make public on the pros and cons of the two leaders. We will support either of the two leaders,” Dr. Hinds said.
He also noted that his party is willing to accede to anyone other than Norton and Hughes but drew the line at the parties nominating someone who has not been in the “political trenches”.
“In terms of some other person from within the ranks of the AFC or the PNC, we are open to that. As regards to somebody coming out of the cold without any experience, without any name recognition, the WPA will have to discuss that internally to give our judgement,” the WPA Executive Member said.
The AFC has laid out some of its conditions for coalescing with the APNU. These are a 40/60 split of the spoils, with most going to the larger APNU and the party from which the Presidential Candidate is named shall not be permitted to nominate and/or occupy the position of the Leader of the List.
