PPP says online poll aimed at dividing Party leaders

The People’s Progressive Party (PPP) has distanced itself from an online poll which seeks to get the public’s view on the most favoured choice for the party’s next Presidential Candidate.

In fact, PPP Member, Zulfikar Mustapha believes that the poll is aimed at dividing the party’s leaders.

“This is a divisive action,” he said during an interview with the News Room on Tuesday, adding that, “I think who is putting up this poll, they want to divide the leaders of the party.”

Describing the poll as “mischievous,” Mustapha said the party has not sanctioned a poll, nor does it know who is behind it.

The PPP Executive Committee is currently meeting to select its Presidential Candidate – a process which Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo said will be done via secret ballot since there is a lack of consensus on the candidate.

There are five Executive members of the PPP vying to be the party’s next Presidential candidate. Those persons are Opposition Chief Whip, Gail Teixeira and Members of Parliament; Dr. Vindhya Persaud, Irfaan Ali, Anil Nandlall and Dr. Frank Anthony.

The most recent results of the poll show that Nandlall is in the lead followed by Dr. Persaud and Dr. Anthony coming in as the third most favoured candidate.

However, Mustapha noted that the PPP “is strong” and the results of the ongoing poll will not influence its choice.

A Facebook page – Guyana Independent Voices – which posted the poll and photos of each of the candidates, also provides a slot for individuals to name their own choice.

In fact, the page which claims to be privately funded and managed has only made that one post since created.

The Party is hoping to conclude the selection process by mid-February in preparation for a possible early election in March.