Asha Bashir, Secretary General of the Peoples Liberation Party (PLP), has defended the opposition’s cohesion, saying that while parties may show differences, they share a common agenda.
Speaking during an interview with Radio Generation, Bashir acknowledged that some observers describe the opposition as “confused,” but she said this is a natural outcome of a diverse democratic system.
“From where I sit and what I read online, and also the feedback we get from viewers, is that the opposition might not necessarily be as united as they say they are, and some of the viewers are actually calling it a confused situation,” she said on Wednesday.
Asha explained that each party within the opposition functions like a room in a house, with its own leadership and identity.
“There is a whole structure behind it, and at the right time, once they give the direction on who will be the flag bearer, you will see it,” she added. She noted that while parties might disagree on minor issues, such as routes for rallies, these differences do not undermine the broader unity.
The SG emphasized that the opposition is not a dictatorship where one leader dictates every move.
“We don’t want even to think so if he says, jump, you ask how high, and you just do it,” she said.
Asha also noted that public perception can be hard to control, but the opposition remains aligned on major objectives.
The PLP leader identified key pillars that unite the opposition, including the shared stance on governance, economic concerns like the cost of living, and the one-term agenda often mentioned jokingly by critics.
She said these issues have helped strengthen collaboration among parties, even as each maintains its individual identity.
Asha further clarified that she cannot speak for other parties.
“I would wish that people attack me or raise the issues of PLP and tell me. And one time I told one of the radio stations, ask me, your member has spoken badly, or Martha was seen in public, or your youth leader I can address, but I cannot decide for another home,” she said.
Despite the visible differences among parties, Asha insisted that the opposition is united in its vision and prepared to coordinate when necessary, signaling that the apparent divisions are more about individuality than discord.