AFTER naming its members to take up its seats in the National Assembly, the PPP failed to attend yesterday’s sitting of the House. Many observers had speculated that the former ruling party would have ended its boycott.
It has become obvious that the PPP did not contemplate the possibility of losing office. So, when it became clear that the die was cast there was no clear strategy on how to immediately transition to its new role.
This situation is not unique to the PPP; the PNC found itself in a similar position in 1992. It is a direct consequence of the length of time these parties occupy the seat of power. This is one of the many aspects of our political system that needs fixing.
But it would have been expected that, by now, the PPP would have recovered from the early shock of defeat. Perhaps, the party feels that calling off the boycott at this point would make it look indecisive and weak in the eyes of its supporters. Whatever the tactic behind the prolonged boycott, it does not help the standing of the party in the eyes of the larger society. The sooner its takes up its seats, the better it would be for the country.
While the Government has to proceed with the business of the country, it knows full well that the absence of the full quota of members calls into question the legitimacy of the deliberations and decisions. Even if the majority ignores the Opposition, as is usually the case in our majoritarian system, the presence of both sides at least gives a sense of formal democracy at work.
It is against that background that we urge the PPP to do the right thing and take up its seats. They owe it to their supporters, but above all, they owe it to the country to behave like the mature party it is supposed to be.
The party can use its influence in the Assembly to help in democratising that institution by making the votes and voice of the opposition count for something.
In this regard, the PPP would be advised to merge the traditional oversight role of the Opposition with an enlightened approach to cooperation with the Government in pursuit of the national good. After decades of an adversarial parliament, both sides of the political divide have a golden opportunity to institute a new kind of power sharing.
Of course the PPP may be tempted to use the parliament as a medium to pursue the politics of “cheated, not defeated”. This would, of course, tour the House into another medium of confrontation. Many observers have speculated that with former President Bharrat Jagdeo as Opposition Leader, the PPP has signaled a preference for the latter. Mr Jagdeo was well known for his confrontational style when he was the Head of State and on the campaign trail after he demitted office. Whether he employs the same style as parliamentary leader is left to be seen.
But as Guyana faces an uncertain next few years both domestically and in relation to the new pressures from Venezuela, it would need a united front that is grounded in actual cooperation. Over the years, both Government and Opposition have paid lip service to cooperation without making any solid moves in that direction.
Perhaps this parliament provides an opportunity to move beyond rhetoric. The PPP represents half of the electorate, which makes them more than a minority. They would, however, have to show the political maturity and will to turn in a new direction. And the governing coalition would have to be equally responsive to the call for national consensus.
