Aubrey Norton, the presidential candidate for the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), expressed optimism about future relations with former coalition partner, the Alliance For Change (AFC), despite both parties facing declining support this electoral season. Norton acknowledged the need to ration campaign resources as public meetings and rallies fail to attract large crowds, reflecting a broader discontent among party members regarding leadership vision.
Although the APNU and AFC previously collaborated in the 2015 and 2020 elections, they will contest this year’s polls independently. This shift comes after unsuccessful negotiations for a new coalition, with both parties vying for greater influence. The two initially joined forces under the Cummingsburg Accord in 2015, which was revised in 2019 but ultimately expired in December 2022, leading to their electoral separation.
The AFC’s diminishing role was evident in recent elections, including the 2018 local government elections and the fallout from the no-confidence motion that led to the coalition’s loss of power. Tensions escalated when three AFC parliamentarians crossed over to the APNU, resulting in the expulsion of those members by the AFC.
During a recent GlobeSpan24X7 program, Norton stated, “the reality is there is no coalition with the AFC. However, I don’t think we are enemies and therefore there is hope for the future.”
Despite this olive branch, Norton faces internal challenges within the APNU, particularly from the People’s National Congress Reform (PNC/R), which has seen significant defections. Notable departures include MPs Jermaine Figueira, Geeta Chandan-Edmond, and Amanza Walton-Desir, among others. Many former members have shifted their support to President Dr. Irfaan Ali and the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C), further complicating the political landscape for the APNU as they prepare for the upcoming elections.
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