HGP Nightly News – PNCR Leader Aubrey Norton says he does not intend to be the coalition’s presidential candidate for the 2030 General and Regional Elections, but has signalled that he may still play a role in rebuilding and stabilising the People’s National Congress Reform.
Appearing on KAMS TV’s morning show with host Kadakie Amsterdam, Norton said the party is now in a phase that requires consolidation, preparation and internal strengthening after recent political setbacks.
He made it clear that the question of who leads the PNCR and who becomes a future presidential candidate are separate matters.
According to Norton, the party’s leadership will ultimately be determined by its members at congress, but he suggested that he remains prepared to continue providing direction if the membership believes that is necessary.
Norton said the PNCR needs a “steady hand” while younger leaders are developed and prepared for national leadership.
He said he has not endorsed anyone to replace him, and argued that succession should not be treated as the selection of one chosen individual. Instead, he said the party must create space for a broad group of younger leaders to emerge.
Norton said Guyana’s political environment requires leaders who can connect with younger voters, but he also maintained that renewal must be balanced with experience and institutional knowledge.
The PNCR Leader rejected suggestions that recent defections from the opposition represent the collapse of either the PNCR or the wider APNU coalition.
He argued that some of those who left were attracted by access to state resources under the PPP/C administration, rather than by firm political conviction.
Norton also said several of the persons who departed entered politics during the coalition’s time in government and were not deeply grounded in the PNCR’s history, philosophy or organisational culture.
Responding to critics who have called for him to step aside, Norton said he became leader through a competitive internal process and insisted that any change in leadership must come through the party’s democratic structures.
He said the PNCR cannot allow external pressure or public campaigns to determine its leadership.
Norton also warned against factionalism and indiscipline within the party, saying internal elections should strengthen the organisation rather than divide it further.
He said the party must continue to bring younger members forward while also respecting the contribution and experience of longstanding supporters.
On future coalition discussions, Norton said any arrangement with other opposition groups must be based on shared principles, discipline and a genuine commitment to improving the lives of Guyanese.
He said political cooperation should not be driven by personal ambition or short-term convenience.
