THE no-confidence motion tabled by a member of the AFC is not an entirely surprising phenomenon, judging from the fact that its leader is obsessed with power. Certainly, he sees this no-confidence motion as a sure way to win an election; that is his firm belief. However, I do not quite understand the logic behind his assumption, because a no-confidence motion does not mean an automatic end of the ruling party, it is just simply a motion that has to be debated and nothing else. If that motion is successful, which I doubt, then there will be an election. We are some way away from that stage of the game. However, let us, for discussion purposes, delve into the possibilities of an election.

For the convening of national elections one has to ask that pressing question: Is the Opposition ready for an election? My observation tells me they are not. This is the real issue here – the preparedness to face an electorate. As it stands, the mover of the motion is a sitting duck where popularity and credibility with the people are concerned. His party is riddled with disunity and all across this country there are damaging reports of the party’s corrupt practices. The problem is not just internal rifts among the top brass, but the mixed signals conveyed to the people who have to vote for them. At this juncture I must pause to highlight the shocking accusations of sodomy and pedophiliac behaviour made out against AFC founder leader Raphael Trotman. Certainly these latest developments will erode whatever confidence the people have in that party. I would deal with that matter in a subsequent letter.

Back to our no-confidence discussion: Ramjattan’s rabid obsession with power has caused him to table this motion, because he really wants to rule Guyana. He did not stop to think of all the ramifications he has to surmount to get there.

For starters, he would not be considered for the post because that rotating leadership system of the AFC promptly disqualifies him. For this reason he mooted the idea of Moses Nagamootoo as the presidential candidate. The strategy here is to use Moses to capture the much-needed Indian vote – something that is not going to happen. Now, let us not forget that Ramjattan is making all of this maneuverability in a party that is dictated by a ‘Black Hierarchy’; Trotman and Nigel Hughes are the heavyweights in that party; so this emotional, over-ambitious, power-rush of his is certainly spinning out of control.

Further to his plight is the fact that with 7 seats in parliament, the AFC is in no position to speak with any authority in anything where the leadership of this country is concerned. For any single entity to challenge the PPP/C, or pose a threat, you must secure at least 30 seats in the house, and that is not forthcoming in the foreseeable future by any one party when you look at the trend of general elections in this country.
Meantime, the PNC/APNU, which should be the main broker in this mess, is not interested in general elections, while they too grapple with very deep-seated problems of their own.

Finally, I must say that a no-confidence vote in the government is an ill-conceived, ill-advised move by the AFC.

NEIL ADAMS