PRESIDENT David Granger in an interview with this newspaper last Thursday expressed concern about what he described as the Opposition’s “uncooperative[ness] to the level of being dysfunctional.” The President was making reference to his government’s efforts to govern with the support and input of the Opposition, citing instances to support the view.
In our society non-engagement may not be unexpected given that politics can be seen as a zero sum game and if not in the proverbial driving seat, disinclined to cooperate. Though not unique to Guyana, it ought to bring into question the political wisdom of any party that does not see the value of working across the aisle. Particularly in our society where the ordinary man and woman, irrespective of race, politics or other diversity, go about their daily business in relative peace and harmony and always desire the politicians working together, doing otherwise is a departure from this desire.

If political parties could only see governing as a privilege, not an entitlement and whether in the Executive, Legislative or out, after elections are over it is time to govern in the interest of all the people, this would be helpful to the nation’s body politic. And it should be said notwithstanding the Opposition non-cooperation such should not hinder the government from continuing to reach out and seek avenues to forge cooperation.
Fortunately or unfortunately, the difference between the APNU+AFC and the PPP/C is that the former campaigned on the promise to practice inclusionary democracy and working with groups, inclusive of business, trade union, political parties, and the society will look forward to all efforts being made in that regard. At the political level grassroots engagements, i.e. interaction in the communities, including the ones won by the PPP/C, could be a step towards inclusion. Talking with residents and listening to their ideas for theirs and the nation’s development will provide a reservoir of knowledge and insight. In making this direct connection, given that governance has to be in the interest of all, may well cause the Opposition to recognise the determination to honour a campaign commitment that has its basis in constitutional obligation.

In the other areas, such as in civil society and business, within those same groups are persons who are supporters of the Opposition. Engagement with them on matters of interest to their constituents is also another way of seeking alliances and forging relations on inclusionary democracy. The flip side of non-engagement would not only be used as non-fulfillment of campaign commitment to argue that the government cannot be trusted but also justifying positions to govern at the exclusion of others. Though not a comforting reality, such is the nature of politics and ignoring it would not wish it away.
In the 21st century, approaches to politics and governance are premised on consensus and respecting involvement of citizens. As President Granger noted, the Opposition last October boycotted the National Assembly for his address that laid out the Government‘s Legislative Agenda. Ideally it would have been helpful had the Opposition not chosen that route, but this does not prevent them from analysing and making recommendations on the President’s Agenda.

Where on one hand it does the nation no good when the Opposition opposes for opposing sake, on the other hand it also creates perception of uneven development when government governs at the exclusion of others. How the political leadership will be able to sort this out, though it may be anyone’s guess, it is not unfair to say the society would rather benefit from an inclusionary approach sooner rather than later. Non-cooperation could carry dire consequences for the nation’s development where the country can benefit from the Opposition’s support in the Legislature and a National Development Strategy. There are issues such as addressing constitutional reform, the oil and gas industry, sugar, employment and labour policies, business climate, law and order and threats to our territorial integrity where the country stands to benefit more when its political leadership operates in unison.