Juretha Vanessa Fernandes, a sitting Member of Parliament for the APNU+AFC coalition, has publicly expressed her skepticism regarding the recent push for a “consensus candidate” in the upcoming elections. In a statement posted on social media, Fernandes criticized the advocates of this idea, many of whom she claims have not been actively involved in politics over the years.
Fernandes pointed out that the concept of a consensus candidate is not new and was extensively debated within her party last year, only to be dismissed by senior leaders. “It was made abundantly clear that to be considered presidential candidate material, one must be the leader of a political party,” she stated. Her surprise is evident as she observes the same individuals who previously rejected the idea now promoting candidates who lack party leadership.
She described this shift as a clear example of opportunism, stating, “If this isn’t an example of wanting something only when it suits your purpose, I don’t know what is.”
Throughout her political career, Fernandes has witnessed the pitfalls of elevating inexperienced individuals to leadership positions, which have led to negative consequences for their parties. “Governance demands not only knowledge of how the system functions but also a deep commitment to crafting policies that benefit the people,” she emphasized.
Fernandes urged her fellow politicians and the public to critically assess the reasoning behind the consensus candidate proposal. She warned against sidelining grassroots leaders, who are often labeled as “not electable” in favor of those perceived as more popular. “When these individuals fail to become genuine grassroots leaders, it is the people who suffer,” she cautioned.
Addressing the socio-economic disparities in Guyana, Fernandes highlighted the stark contrast between those who reap the benefits of the nation’s resources and the ordinary citizens struggling to survive. She posed a critical question: “Are we willing to gamble the future of ordinary Guyanese on an unknown?”
In closing, Fernandes firmly rejected the idea of a consensus candidate, calling it a “dangerous fantasy” that should not be entertained. “The stakes are too high,” she asserted, urging for leadership that truly represents and understands the needs of the people.
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