GEORGETOWN, Guyana — With less than three months to go before Guyana’s General and Regional Elections, the political opposition is undergoing visible shifts. The Alliance For Change (AFC) has confirmed that three of its former executive members,Sherod Duncan, Juretha Fernandes, and Deonarine “Ricky” Ramsaroop, have officially joined A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and are set to contest the September 1 polls on that party’s list.
The AFC disclosed the development in a press statement, noting that the party had written to the trio for clarification on their status after noticing signs of defection. After receiving no response, and following internal checks, the party said it confirmed the three had taken up membership with APNU and would be running as candidates under its banner. Their AFC memberships were subsequently revoked, in line with the party’s constitution.
The move has triggered a new wave of political commentary, particularly as Fernandes is now being considered for the position of APNU’s prime ministerial candidate. That possibility is raising eyebrows, especially after she publicly denied such intentions just two months ago. In April, Fernandes had said, “The leader of the opposition, Aubrey Norton, or the PNCR can’t offer me the prime ministerial position. It is not a possibility. I am not a member of the PNCR.” Her shift in position has prompted fresh questions about how fluid internal negotiations have become within opposition circles.
Even as it manages internal fallout, the AFC appears to be repositioning itself. The party has quietly reopened coalition discussions with APNU, following a breakdown in talks earlier this year. According to sources familiar with the renewed negotiations, a formal proposal was sent through an intermediary on May 17. The proposal outlines the terms of a potential power-sharing agreement between the two parties.
Key elements of the draft include: APNU naming the presidential candidate; AFC selecting the prime ministerial candidate; a 65/35 seat allocation split in APNU’s favour; an independent Representative of the List approved by both parties; and the Speaker of the National Assembly nominated by the AFC but subject to APNU’s approval.
This proposal reflects a clear shift in the AFC’s approach. During previous talks, the party had reportedly insisted on a larger share of parliamentary seats—up to 65 percent—which many observers believe stalled the initial coalition attempt. With the new offer, the AFC has significantly reduced its demands, signaling what appears to be a stronger push for unity ahead of the election.
Despite the renewed talks, AFC officials have declined to publicly comment. Efforts to reach senior party members for confirmation or elaboration have so far gone unanswered.
Earlier this year, the AFC had declared its intention to contest the elections independently after coalition negotiations failed. At the time, AFC Chairman David Patterson said the party had “exhausted all avenues” in search of a workable agreement. That position now appears to be shifting under new political pressures.
AFC Leader Nigel Hughes, speaking at a recent press briefing, said the party had already shown willingness to compromise in earlier discussions, including agreement on Norton as presidential nominee. He said the AFC had also proposed that the Representative of the List be someone agreed upon by both parties—“a way to guarantee shared accountability,” as he put it. However, the proposal was rejected by APNU, ending the talks at the time.
With prominent members defecting and coalition talks back on the table, the AFC finds itself at a critical juncture. The decisions it makes in the coming weeks could determine whether it re-emerges as a serious political force or remains on the margins in the lead-up to September’s election.
