AS GUYANESE prepare to join the world to usher in a New Year tomorrow

, a major talking point in political circles is whether there would be a snap parliamentary election in 2013.

Neither the administration of President Donald Ramotar, nor the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) has given any indication of currently preparing for a new general election which, constitutionally, is some four years away.
It is, however, known that the decision-makers of GECOM would speedily move into action once properly advised that President Ramotar has come to accept the necessity for such a development.
Of course, as the President has signalled just recently, amid the APNU/AFC ongoing anti-government strategies in parliament, since the government is committed to fulfilling its national objectives during its current five-year term, the need for a snap poll rests with the opposition parties that, together, have a one-seat majority in the National Assembly.
The general understanding is that if the opposition parties should continue to be reckless in misusing their one-seat majority to the detriment of effective fiscal management and implementation of vital social and economic development projects, then they could even vote against the new budget to be presented shortly by the Minister of Finance, Dr Ashni  Singh.
If they are that vindictive and short-sighted, they should also know that once presented with such a challenge, the President, armed as he is with relevant constitutional powers, would have no choice but to authorise new elections for which he seems to feel the incumbent PPP is quite willing to face.
Question is, whether APNU and the AFC are really prepared for such a challenge or simply engaging in boastful talk when they know that they have already so weakened themselves during the first year in parliament, that they need some space to recover.
Latest media reports on statements and comments at press conferences have further underscored conflicting positions, not just between the two opposition parties, but also among leaders of APNU about the timing and readiness for a snap poll.
In the meantime, as the public would be quite aware, the governing party appears not the least bothered about having to face a snap poll, if made necessary by the APNC/AFC coalition’s grab for power.
And why should it be? Even a quick assessment of the government’s record of achievements during the first year of its five-year term, following the November 28, 20ll, would stand in its favour with the electorate. Despite, that is, the heavy anti-PPP content in sections of the print and electronic media and the constant ego-driven, negative politicking by the leadership of APNU and the AFC.            
We take this opportunity to extend good wishes to all readers for a peaceful 2013, with further social and economic advancement!