PRESIDENT Donald Ramotar feels the combined Opposition’s threats, made in their initial response to his decision to prorogue Parliament, can only be solidified if they win the next general election – something he is confident will not happen.

“The Opposition will have to win the elections to do so (make good on their threats), which I doubt they will be able to do, because this time I am going back for my majority bigger than ever before,” he said.
Mr. Ramotar made these comments while addressing the media corps at a news conference on Friday at the Office of the President, Shiv Chanderpal Drive, Georgetown.
The Head of State also expressed confidence that he will be the presidential candidate for the ruling People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) at the next general elections.
He added that he is not afraid of the electorate, since the Guyanese people are perfectly capable of judging the accomplishments made relative to national development and their improved livelihoods.
The PPP/C has won every general election since 1992; however, at the last elections the combined Opposition gained control of the National Assembly by a one-seat majority, in a 33-32 split.
The General Secretary of the PPP, Clement Rohee, has indicated in recent comments, that the party stands ready to return to the polls and face the Guyanese people.
Additionally, the Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), Dr. Steve Surujbally, last Wednesday declared that the Commission is ready for snap elections, as well as Local Government Elections, the latter having an established 180-day work plan, regardless of the date set.
President Ramotar has indicated that Local Government Elections will be held in the first quarter of 2015.
Early general elections are also a much anticipated next step for Guyana, since the Head of State’s decision to prorogue Parliament.
Mr. Ramotar announced his decision, in an address to the nation last Monday, to prorogue Parliament, which essentially means that the current session is suspended up to a maximum of six months – a move that is provided for in Section 70 (1) of Guyana’s Constitution.
The Head of State also made it clear that his intention was to give dialogue a chance to address the impasses that have characterised the political arena since the 2011 elections, rather than have Parliament dissolved, as promised by the combined Opposition, via the Alliance For Change (AFC) sponsored no-confidence motion.
However, the combined Opposition, A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and the Alliance For Change (AFC) have said that there will be no dialogue during the prorogation period.
While there is still some optimism in the Government camp that the APNU/AFC position will change, the outcomes of fruitful dialogue remains to be seen as the situation plays out.