According to the inside sources, Jagdeo is suspicious that the PPP support base in many areas are disappearing, and has urged Ramotar to step up the packing of buses and trucks of PPP supporters from Georgetown and other places to build up crowds at PPP rallies.
“In order to determine the true strength of PPP support in various communities Jagdeo is questioning Ramotar's contribution to the party, to justify the distribution of Parliamentary seats that will eventually be allocated to the faithful,” according to the source who requested anonymity for fear of victimization.
It was noted that the Alliance for Change -AFC made inroads at Whim and Bath Settlement last election after Moses Nagamootoo had promised a 20% increase to sugar workers. This resulted in the PPP/C having a minority government.
“But Bharat Jagdeo seem convinced that most of that electorate have not returned their support to the PPP,” the source disclosed.
Jagdeo, according to the source, felt it was necessary to gauge his party’s strength in the traditional PPP stronghold due to growing support shown to the AFC and APNU in recent times.
“Jagdeo is also fearful of losing support to Mark Benschop’s group in South Georgetown and in Linden…. Party Leader, Donald Ramotar is adamant that he could not afford to risk low turn-outs at those rallies because this election is all about public perception, and he noted that APNU and the AFC have been attracting thousands of loyal supporters to their rallies…Although Ramotar admits that he seem unlikely to deliver a guarantee of of the Indian votes he promised as part of the pre-election salary and pension inscreases, he is fearful that this fact be known publicly.”
General and Regional elections are scheduled for Monday, May 11. In addition at least four other general elections are scheduled to be held in the 15-nation Caribbean trade bloc this year.
