PPP focused on equitable development not political ideologies – Jagdeo

General Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo on Sunday confirmed that the party’s 32nd Congress unanimously supported a resolution to remove marxism-leninism and socialism from its constitution.

And according to him, the party is no longer focused on the “cold war- era” ideologies. Instead, it is focused on embracing multiple ideologies to engender equitable development across the country.

“… that does not mean that we give up on our history or the working class ideology.

“The end goal, the party’s strategic objective, is to create a fair and equitable society,” he said, adding that the PPP embraces a national democratic state, diversity, racial equality and mixed economy.

Marxism–Leninism is an economic theory that involves moving away from capitalism to socialism.

Jagdeo said the party had long moved away from Marxism-Leninism but now it is being removed from the party’s constitution though it remains focused on democratic centralism. And he acknowledged that the change does align more with global development where embracing the private sector and capitalist policies helps with wealth generation.

Despite this, the General Secretary emphasised that the party remains a pro-poor, pro-working class group.

Outside of this major constitutional change, Jagdeo said the party’s 1979 constitution is being updated and there will be a new party programme developed for next year. That programme is expected outline the party’s goals and tasks for the next 10 years.

Another resolution to expand the party structure, particularly regionally, was also adopted. Jagdeo said the PPP is on a robust plan to expand its presence and offices in Regions One, Seven, Eight, Nine and 10.

“It was an update of the constitution to create party organisational structures in these regions to do party work to ensure we give their more tools, hold people more accountable but also allow them to do more work,” Jagdeo said.