At a press conference this morning, Guyana Elections Commission’s (GECOM) Public Relations Officer (PRO), Yolanda Ward indicated that about 15 political parties are likely to contest the March 2, General and Regional Elections.
Ward told the media, “The CEO (Chief Elections Officer) did talk a lot about the political parties and that we will be engaging these parties in the planning even before Nomination Day. So far, we anticipate a likelihood of approximately 15 political parties.”
Six parties contested the 2015 elections but not many got substantial votes.
In the eleventh parliament, only one party occupied the opposition benches—People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C)—while the government benches were occupied by six parties in a coalition—APNU+AFC. From all indications, the six parties are to contest the elections as a coalition again.
That would mean, 13 small parties are expected to contest the critical elections. Already, at least five new parties have been formed since the no-confidence motion was passed against the government.
