Norton contradicts his GECOM Commissioners, says PNC ready for September elections

Opposition Leader and head of the main opposition – People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) – Aubrey Norton, has declared that his party is prepared for the upcoming general elections scheduled for September 1, a stance that contradicts earlier claims made by opposition-nominated commissioners of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM).

As published by the Stabroek News on Thursday, Norton said the timing of the elections fell within the party’s expectations.

“We have always been prepared for elections,” he asserted. “We anticipated that they were going to call an election at a time that suits them. So, we have always been and will continue to be in preparation.”

His comments follow President Irfaan Ali’s announcement on Sunday, setting September 1 as the official date for the polls.

However, this public show of readiness from the PNCR appears to be at odds with remarks made just days earlier by GECOM Commissioners Vincent Alexander, Charles Corbin and Desmond Trotman. They had voiced serious concerns over the commission’s and political parties’ ability to be adequately prepared for elections by that date.

Norton’s declaration also comes amid uncertainty regarding ongoing discussions with the Alliance For Change (AFC) about a possible coalition. While reaffirming that the PNCR has “not closed the door on any partnerships,” he offered no clarity on whether a formal alliance with the AFC is likely.

Behind the scenes, however, sources have indicated a lack of meaningful progress.