A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) has decided to move forward independently in the National Assembly after unsuccessful discussions with the We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) party regarding collaboration. APNU Chief Whip Ganesh Mahipaul addressed the situation in a recent statement, expressing his party’s hope for a united opposition but acknowledging that substantive talks had not materialized.
Mahipaul explained that APNU had tasked him with engaging WIN to foster cooperation in holding the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Administration accountable. However, he reported that only a brief telephone discussion occurred, with no formal workplan developed despite the passage of several months.
As a result, APNU is shifting its focus away from seeking partnership with WIN. The newly-formed WIN party, which outperformed APNU in securing votes and seats in Parliament, has altered the dynamics within the opposition landscape. Mahipaul noted that APNU would continue to identify its shadow ministers to ensure adequate representation.
“We will continue to be disposed to working with other opposition forces. Hopefully WIN sees the wisdom of working together,” Mahipaul said, while hinting at his discontent with WIN leader Azruddin Mohamed. He alleged that Mohamed seemed more focused on protecting himself from legal issues than on collaborative efforts, criticizing his selective exposure of past PPP/C wrongdoings.
Mahipaul’s comments signal a definitive turn for APNU as it commits to operating independently while maintaining the door open for future collaborations with other opposition parties.
