SUCCESSIVE PPP/C governments have consistently been characterised by the masterpiece of showing complete disregard for the constitution. Today, these political artists have disowned this masterpiece and have transformed themselves into Guardians of the Constitution.

He who once abused and trampled the constitution, now screams in anguish for the sake of the supreme law of the land; he who once denied local government elections for 22 years, now wails and weeps in the interest of elections; he who once engaged in the wanton abuse of power, now passionately laments the case of democracy.

The ultimate perfection of political hypocrisy is officially now on display and its nauseating presence is perplexing. The postulation of moral standards to which one’s behaviour does not conform, constitutes the definition of hypocrisy. This is displayed in the political realm, when leaders advocate for issues that they once completely ignored or executed decisions or policies in direct contradiction to those matters. In this unprecedented political climate, political hypocrisy deserves its fair share of analysis.

In 1999, President Bharrat Jagdeo was sworn in as President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana against the backdrop of intense street protests against a highly corrupt election that propelled Mrs. Jagan, the PPP/C’s presidential candidate, to the presidency. Two years after his tenure began, the 1997 elections were vitiated and deemed fraudulent by Justice Claudette Singh. Questions arose about the legality of the PPP/C government between 1997-2001 and if it can continue to rule legitimately beyond the ruling.

The Head of State at that time, Bharrat Jagdeo, declared: ‘It is business as usual.’ Fast forward to this day, in the post-no confidence motion period, this former President is passionately advocating for strict adherence to the letter of the constitution without negotiation or due consideration. Political hypocrisy is revealed when opportunistic leaders seek refuge under moral arguments to achieve narrow political ends. The masterpiece no longer serves the artist’s interest, hence the complete volte-face.

In 2006, the President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, Bharrat Jagdeo, made a passionate plea to all Guyanese via state media reporter, Mr.Cecil Griffith, about the independence of the Guyana Elections Commission. He stated: ‘We said to GECOM that the law says GECOM shall define the form of verification….and what form it will take…not the PNC, not the PPP, not any party…GECOM…that is a constitutional body, independent like the courts.’

The above-mentioned begs the question, how could there be a commitment to principles and positions with religious fervour and just in a few years, there is complete apostasy? The answer is laid bare in the caption above.