Newly elected leader of the Alliance for Change (AFC), Nigel Hughes has underscored the urgent need for modern campaign finance laws, ahead of the 2025 General and Regional Elections.
His remarks come amid concerns recently voiced by the Vice President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo about the influence of corporate or illicit funds in the nation’s political landscape.
Hughes acknowledged the Vice President’s recent statements highlighting the importance of campaign finance reform. “We are happy that he has raised this issue,” Hughes noted. He emphasized that a “modern Guyana” requires advanced legislation to ensure integrity in political financing.
In April, Jagdeo reassured that the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government is committed to and working on campaign financing laws. Dr. Jagdeo had pointed it out as one of the recommendations made by Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into the March 2020 General and Regional Elections.
The CoI report had highlighted the absence of legislation applicable to campaign financing in Guyana. “There is a lack of transparency and accountability regarding political parties and campaign financing. Political parties have historically raised funds without any limitations regarding the source or amount of donation, and with very little obligation to disclose election expenses,” the report said.
It added, “There is a strong need for such legislation, as there is a perception that persons and/or corporations who give large donations stand to gain political favours.”
During the AFC’s press conference today, Hughes argued that robust campaign financing laws would mandate all political parties to disclose their sources of income and donations. This transparency, he asserted, is crucial for assuring the citizens of Guyana that illegal funds, including those from drug and gold smuggling, do not corrupt national and regional politics. “The citizenry of Guyana can be assured that the proceeds of club crime do not find their way into our politics,” he stated.
According to Hughes, modern campaign finance legislation would not only regulate financial disclosures during election campaigns but also extend to the periods leading up to campaigns and while parties are in government. “This legislation would oblige all parties to disclose their sources of income, and those that provide material support, whether security vehicles, bulletproof vehicles or other sources of finance,” he explained. This comprehensive approach he said, aims to capture all forms of financial support that could influence political outcomes.
