Opposition Parliamentarian Ganesh Mahipaul has admitted that he did not foresee the extent of the 2025 election loss for the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU). In a recent exclusive interview with the News Room, he indicated that his own post-mortem analysis of the electoral defeat could provide valuable insights into the coalition’s future.
The election results marked a significant setback for APNU, reducing its parliamentary representation from 31 seats to just 12, while the Alliance for Change (AFC) failed to secure a single seat. Meanwhile, three former APNU MPs have aligned with the new political entity We Invest in Nationhood (WIN), and Amanza Walton Desir now represents the Forward Guyana Movement after parting ways with APNU.
“I did not see WIN coming in the way it came in with 16 seats. I did not see the PPP getting 36 seats, nor did I see APNU getting 12,” Mahipaul admitted, reflecting on the unexpected developments.
He believes that the coalition’s loss was influenced by a combination of internal weaknesses and external pressures. Mahipaul described the previous 31-seat opposition bench as “fragile” and emphasized that the current 12-member team is “solid.”
“The fragmentation inside APNU created the opening for WIN’s rise. We were reduced because of the fragmentation and in-house fighting,” he stated. He criticized a lack of camaraderie and loyalty among APNU members, suggesting that many were more focused on personal ambitions and political capital than on the collective goals of the party.
He pointed out that the shift of three returning MPs to WIN highlights deeper fractures within the coalition. “When you allow your individual aspirations to overshadow the bigger picture, it affects the organization you’re a part of,” Mahipaul noted.
He also acknowledged the role of WIN leader Azruddin Mohamed, whose philanthropic efforts and ongoing legal troubles have garnered sympathy and support from the public. “He showed the vulnerable that he has the ability to do philanthropy, and I think that garnered some support for him,” Mahipaul explained.
Additionally, he observed an increase in public engagement with parliamentary proceedings since Mohamed entered frontline politics, suggesting that it has amplified interest in political issues. “It highlights the attention the country is placing on politics,” he said.
When asked about APNU’s biggest misstep leading into the 2025 elections, Mahipaul did not hesitate: “Unity. We have to demonstrate greater unity.” His insights serve as a call to action for the APNU as it navigates the challenges ahead and seeks to rebuild its standing in the political landscape.
