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OVERSEAS EMBASSIES AND HIGH COMMISSIONS The PPP which, for many years while in opposition, heaped scorn the PNC for putting square pegs in round holes, has been setting new records in this regard. This is especially evident when one looks at the quality of some of the persons appointed to overseas diplomatic posts. These appointments reflect two chronic weaknesses of the PPP: their refusal to look beyond their own political backyard and their elevation of party loyalty over professional qualifications, preferring to reward activists and supporters rather than appoint people of quality who would represent Guyana with distinction. ANALYSIS OF The WPA'S PREVIOUS PARTICIPATION IN ELECTIONS The Party 's Origin in the Struggle for Free and Fair Elections The WPA was formed in 1974 not as an electoral party, but to mobilise people to struggle for bread, justice and genuine elections. WPA fought a strong campaign in the rigged 1985 elections as an expression of its commitment to electoral politics. WPA's struggle has exacted a heavy price. It was dubbed by the PNC the "Worst Possible Altemative" and made the main target of its assaults; party leaders, members, relatives and sympathizers suffered intimidation, job loss, police harassment, and assassination. This policy, enforced against the party for many years, had a severe impact on the party's electoral capacity, particularly in relation to its access to resources. Strengths and Weaknesses of the 1992 Campaign In 1992, the first genuine elections the 18-year old party was to face, WPA produced an extraordinary manifesto and a vigorous campaign under the leadership of Dr. Clive Thomas, Presidential Candidate, and Dr. Rupert Roopnaraine, Prime Ministerial Candidate. However, against all expectations, the party won less than two percent of the votes and, though critical to the balance of power, only two seats in the National Assembly. The election results also left the PPP/Civic short of a comfortable working majority in the National Assembly. The logic of the democratic struggle in which WPA had played such a critical role led the WPA and the TUF to make an arrangement with the PPP/Civic to enter into coalition arrangements within the RDCs. This meant that the PPP/Civic was able to -send representatives from the RDCs of Regions 8 and 9 to build up its regional component in the Parliament, thereby achieving a working majority.
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