…gov’t sought legal opinions on no-confidence vote
…Cabinet sub-committee to advise on way forward

FOLLOWING the passage of Friday night’s no-confidence motion in the National Assembly, Cabinet has examined all of the legal and constitutional aspects of the vote and established a sub-committee to advise on this matter.

According to a statement attributed to Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, President David Granger on Monday convened special meetings of the Cabinet and the National Security Committee (NSC). During the meetings the President iterated the important role the Cabinet and the NSC play in the security, stability and good governance of Guyana.
It was noted that Cabinet examined all of the legal and constitutional aspects of the vote in the National Assembly on Friday, December 21st.

That sub-committee will examine all the legal opinions available and report to Cabinet on Thursday, December 27th with recommendations on the way forward. “The government wishes to give the full assurance to you the citizens that all necessary measures to ensure your safety and security are in place and that, in this regard, you go about your business in a confident manner,” the release said.

President Granger assured the nation on Saturday that his administration will abide by the Constitution which stipulates that General Elections must be held within 90 days of a successful no-confidence motion. In an unsuspecting move Friday night which shocked the nation, Alliance For Change (AFC) Member of Parliament (MP) Charrandas Persaud threw his support behind the Parliamentary Opposition–the People’s Progressive Party/C (PPP/C)–to pass a no-confidence motion against his government.

AFC forms a major part of the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC) Government which holds a one-seat majority in the National Assembly. “We will do everything necessary to facilitate the smooth functioning of General and Regional Elections bearing in mind the need for normal governmental functions to continue uninterrupted,” President Granger was quoted as saying. Article 106 (7) of the Constitution of Guyana states, “Notwithstanding its defeat, the government shall remain in office and shall hold an election within three months, or such longer period as the National Assembly shall by resolution supported by not less than two-thirds of the votes of all the elected members of the National Assembly determine, and shall resign after the President takes the oath of office following the elections.”

The President said too that he is anxious to engage Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo on any concerns he may have. “Mr. Jagdeo contacted the Minister of State and a meeting will be arranged as early as possible so that his concerns can be addressed,” the President added. President Granger said there is no need for confrontation.