Dr Vindhya Persaud and Dr Frank Anthony have stated that they pulled out of the race for the PPP presidential candidacy because it was clear they could not win in the contest that was decided by the 35 members of the party’s Central Committee.
Both have said they thereafter backed former Attorney General Anil Nandlall, but he failed in his bid, garnering just 11 votes.
Gail Teixeira was also in the race but pulled out; she has not offered an explanation, but insiders say she voted for Irfaan Ali, who won the contest. She was on the only one among the candidates who was present with Ali on stage at Leonora, West Coast Demerara Sunday evening when he gave his first speech since winning the contest.
Ali was favoured by the party’s leader, former President Bharrat Jagdeo.
Before Saturday’s decision, Dr Anthony was seen as the likely one to beat; he always ranked at the top whenever the PPP has its Congress.
But News Room understands that he pulled out of the race even before Dr Persaud did.
“While I knew that I had the support of some of my fellow Central Committee members, I felt I did not have a clear majority of votes to a win.
“I decided that it was appropriate to withdraw and gave my support to Anil Nandlall,” Dr Anthony posted on his Facebook page.
Posting also on Facebook, Dr Persaud stated: “I withdrew on the day of voting on account of insufficient support for me among the 35-member Central Committee and supported Anil Nandlall in the ensuing two-man race.”
Persaud, who heads the powerful Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha which has thousands of members spread across the country, said she was encouraged by many persons to be a part of the process to choose a presidential candidate for the PPP.
“I participated fully in that process; presenting my vision for Guyana and being questioned intensively,” she stated.
Dr Persaud said she remains committed to working for a better Guyana. Similar sentiments were expressed by Dr Anthony.
He stated. “The decision to exit the race was not an easy one, but as leaders, we are often called upon to make tough and selfless decisions.
“In this instance, I did it with the belief that it was in the best interest of the Party and country.
“I want to thank comrades for the opportunity to be considered, and I remain a humble servant of the people of Guyana.”
Nandlall has said he was disappointed not to have won the contest and recognised the contribution of several leaders of the party who he said acted with “great magnanimity and made tremendous sacrifices in their attempts to forge greater party unity during this process.”
He said that at “a more appropriate time” he would record in writing the significant role they played, but for now, he said the greater task at hand is to win the next elections.
“The Party needs us all,” he stated.
