THE feeling of the Guyanese people is a mixed one and there is support for moves in at least three directions, as Guyana contemplates the way forward since last Monday’s prorogation of Parliament.
This is according to General Secretary of the ruling People’s Progressive Party (PPP), Clement Rohee, who addressed the issue of moving forward yesterday during the party’s weekly press briefing at Freedom House, Robb Street.
He explained that the three routes are: one, the passage of the Alliance For Change (AFC) no-confidence motion and moving straight to early general elections; two, give dialogue a chance and have Parliament reconvened; and three, the move directly to snap elections.
CARDS ON THE TABLE
The PPP General Secretary contends that the first option is a view that has emanated from the combined Opposition, while the latter two “straddle” both Government and Opposition camps.
“Those are the cards that are on the table. Let’s see where it goes from there…(but) the PPP would prefer the option of dialogue and engagement, but if that fails we would go straight to the dissolution of Parliament and head to election,” he said.
UNDEMOCRATIC PAST
On that note, Rohee called for the main Opposition to “break from its undemocratic past” and its refusal to play by the democratic rules of engagement and acknowledge the merits of dialogue, which is President Donald Ramotar’s intent in proroguing Parliament in face of the current political gridlock.
“The PPP is of the view that the time is now for the PNC to make a break from its undemocratic past and its refusal to play by the democratic rules of engagement,” Rohee said.
The effect of ending a session by prorogation is to terminate business. As a result, the Alliance For Change no-confidence motion was not considered. Also APNU had, prior to Monday, signaled its intent to support the push through of the motion. Had it not been for the proclamation to prorogue Parliament, if the no-confidence motion was passed, Guyana would have been headed to early general elections within three months.
According to President Ramotar the move to prorogation was intended to pave the way for greater dialogue among political parties, while keeping the 10th Parliament alive. However, he has made it clear that if these efforts prove futile, there will be a move to early general elections.
VOICE OF REASON
The PPP General Secretary said, “Mr. Granger is better advised to listen to the voice of reason and embrace the opportunity provided by the prorogation of Parliament to engage the PPP/C Administration on the way forward for Guyana.
“…the PPP urges all stakeholders to continue exerting every effort to build consensus on important national issues. The ball is now fully in the court of the Opposition parties who now have a historic opportunity to bring an end to adversarial and confrontational politics and put the interests of the country and its people ahead of narrow partisan politics.”
Additionally, the PPP has also called on the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) to “get its house in order” and be prepared for any eventuality.
Asked about the party’s plan if there is an early general election and the PPP/C returns to the National Assembly with a minority once more, Rohee stated simply that the party “will cross that bridge” when it gets to it.
“The best way to ensure this does not happen is to do your groundwork and try to get as many votes,” he concluded.
The last general election was held in November 2011. (Vanessa Narine)
