The People’s National Congress Reform on Monday marked the 69th anniversary of its founding, paying tribute to its leaders and calling for members to recommit to its principles, a year after the PNCR-led APNU suffered its worst electoral defeat.

In an anniversary statement, the party recalled October 5, 1957, when the PPP Burnhamite was renamed the People’s National Congress. It described the change as a defining moment in its political development.

“That moment was far more than a name change. It marked a significant shift in our Party’s and our country’s political journey, a declaration of independence of thought, of principle, and of purpose,” the statement said.

The anniversary comes against the backdrop of a sharp decline in the party’s electoral fortunes. At the September 1, 2025 general and regional elections, APNU fell to third place, losing its traditional strongholds in what is described as its worst-ever defeat. 

APNU secured 12 parliamentary seats, compared with the 31 won by the APNU+AFC coalition in 2020. Current leader Aubrey Norton subsequently opted not to take a parliamentary seat, saying he wanted to build a new team and prepare the party for the future. 

In March this year, Norton attributed the defeat principally to internal divisions. APNU failed to win any of the ten regions at the 2025 polls.

The anniversary statement did not address that electoral performance or outline specific measures for rebuilding support. It nevertheless expressed confidence in a future PNCR-led government.

“Guyana is better because of the PNC. And Guyana will be better still with a PNCR-led government, one that stands for the people, protects our nation’s interests, and builds a future of prosperity, unity, and justice for all,” it said.

The party honoured founder Forbes Burnham and former leaders Desmond Hoyte, Robert Corbin and David Granger, alongside current leader Aubrey Norton.

The tribute to Corbin came a day after his death at the age of 78. The statement remembered him as having carried the party’s banner “with dedication and resolve”.

It also recognised Ptolemy Reid, Jane Phillips-Gay, Winifred Gaskin, Ranji Chandisingh, Jainarine Singh, Vincent Teekah and Philip Duncan, as well as rank-and-file members whose contributions it said should not be forgotten.