PNCR Leader Dismisses Internal Disarray Amid Endorsements for President Ali
Leader of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) and A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), Aubrey Norton, has strongly dismissed claims that his party is in turmoil following a string of high-profile endorsements for incumbent President Irfaan Ali by current and former PNCR members.
Speaking at a press briefing on Friday, Norton called such assertions “laughable,” emphasizing that the PNCR remains structurally sound and continues to enjoy growing support.
“The PNC is a political party with more than 20,000 members. Our membership, from the time I became leader, has been increasing continuously… our base is strong,” Norton asserted.
The comments come in the wake of public endorsements of President Ali’s 2025 re-election bid by several PNCR-linked figures, including APNU+AFC parliamentarian Gita Chandan-Edmond, Region 4 Chairman Daniel Sram, and Vice Chairman Samuel Sandy. Chandan-Edmond, notably a former PNCR General Secretary, declared her support for Ali during recent debates in the National Assembly.
When asked whether these endorsements might affect PNCR’s unity or election readiness, Norton was quick to downplay their significance.
“Our party structure is intact. Our base is intact. That is not to say one or two persons might not defect, but there will be no negative impact on the party,” he said, adding pointedly, “I don’t believe any of them can pull three votes.”
Norton further characterized the endorsements as symbolic of a changing political culture, suggesting that the party is moving past individuals he described as “bad choices” from the past.
“For me, it’s the end of an era when we made bad choices in terms of the people we placed in positions.”
According to the opposition leader, the ruling People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) is promoting the endorsements to distract from its own internal challenges, particularly ahead of the September 1, 2025 general and regional elections.
“The prominence given to these endorsements is a manifestation of the weakness of the PPP… they are suffering in their own communities and feel threatened by both Azruddin Mohamed and the broader opposition,” Norton claimed.
As the campaign season intensifies, the PNCR says it remains focused on unifying its base, expanding its ground operations, and offering a credible alternative to the ruling administration.
