Former president Bharrat Jagdeo among candidates to contest Guyana elections

GEORGETOWN, Guyana, Tuesday April 7, 2015, CMC – Former president Bharrat Jagdeo is among candidates nominated by the ruling People’s Progressive Party Civic to contest the May 11 general and regional elections.

Jagdeo, who served as head of state from 1999 to 2011, had in the past indicated that he would not be contesting the elections.

“Our Lists, consisting of about 450 candidates, led by President Donald Ramotar, come from across Guyana and virtually all communities are represented. Our Lists for National Elections for the 65-seats in Parliament comprise of 138 candidates,” the PPP said in a statement.

It said the lost is indicative of citizens “no longer being afraid of political participation and fearful of political intimidation and harassment”.

The coalition alliance of A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and the Alliance for Change (AFC), which is the main challenger to the PPP./C, has also submitted its list of candidates to contest the polls.

The presidential candidate for the coalition alliance and Opposition Leader David Granger told the Demerara Waves Online News website that he is surprised at Jagdeo’s nomination.

“Mr. Jagdeo has been known for saying things which are not consistent with the truth,” he added.

There has been a festive atmosphere as the two main parties backed by supporters walked to the City hall in the capital to submit their lists of candidates. The events were also witnessed by members of the diplomatic community here

Other parties that presented lists of candidates were United Republican Party, The United Force and the Theocracy Party.