Dear Editor,
I write in response to Kaieteur News’ April 21, 2026 Peeping Tom column titled “Dynastic politics is repulsive to the electorate.” While the piece offers an engaging narrative about a supposed “seismic shift” in Guyanese politics, its central analysis does not align with the actual electoral outcomes.
First, the claim of a broad rejection of established parties is contradicted by the performance of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C). The PPP/C secured a larger percentage of the votes in 2025 than it did in 2020, demonstrating not erosion, but, in the least, consolidation of its support base.
Second, the PPP/C did not merely retain power. It increased its parliamentary strength to 36 seats in the National Assembly. This expansion signals growing confidence among voters rather than disillusionment.
Third, the geographic spread of support further undermines the article’s thesis. The PPP/C won eight of the ten electoral districts, including Regions Four and Eight, improving from seven districts previously. Such gains, on the part of the PPP/C at least, point to broader national appeal, not a fragmented or restless electorate abandoning traditional parties.
However, as Kaieteur News is wont to do, these points are ignored.
The columnist would have been better served to address the fragmentation of the Opposition support base. Further, while the emergence of new political movements is a noteworthy development, it should not be overstated to the point of distorting the broader electoral picture.
The evidence suggests continuity and strengthening of established political support, alongside the presence of alternatives, not a wholesale rejection of the political status quo.
Public commentary benefits from vigorous debate, but it must remain grounded in verifiable facts.
A more balanced interpretation would acknowledge both the entry of new actors and the continued dominance of established ones.
Yours sincerely,
Alvin Hamilton