…PNCR says not avoiding polls, considering all options in moving forward

THE aftermath of the recent no-confidence motion passed in the National Assembly could “accentuate” the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) approach to the holding of General elections in the future.

This is according to executive member of the PNCR Aubrey Norton, who was at the time addressing reporters at a press briefing at Congress Place on Friday afternoon.

Norton, who shared the head table with PNCR Region Three executive, Ganesh Mahipaul, Minister of Public Affairs, Dawn Hastings and PNCR executive Christopher Jones, made it clear on Friday that the party is not avoiding the polls. He said that there are persons in the party who have even said that the party should go to the elections and “solve the problem.”

He said that the PNCR is a national party with units countrywide and “we are always ready.” He said that there is no need for the party to have to scramble or “fighting” at the last minute, should elections be held sooner than 2020. The party executive said the PNCR has a large following in all of the country’s administrative regions and at any point it can activate its machinery. He said too, that the supporters of the PNCR and the wider A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) + Alliance for Chance (AFC) coalition are ready and willing, and that they do not intend to see the Opposition People’s Progressive Party (PPP) returning to office.

Regarding the no-confidence motion which then AFC member of parliament , Charrandas Persaud voted in favour of, Norton said that a number of persons names were called prior to the vote, and he said that some people said some signs were there. But, he noted, regarding the government taking action based on such calls, when [you are] operating in a democratic society one has to very careful. “I have heard people say all kinds of things,” Norton said regarding the motion.

He said the matter is a “political issue” and he noted that any party which experienced such an outcome will be cautious in its consequent actions. He said that the government is considering all options regarding its actions going forward. Also, that there are a number of legal arguments in the public domain, and he noted, these can carry the outcome in any direction.

Meanwhile, regarding statements made by Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo that the PPP will not be returning to the National Assembly unless election-related issues are to be addressed, Norton said that Jagdeo “has no moral right to talk about anything.” He reminded that it was the PPP which prorogued Parliament back in 2014, prior to the calling of a no-confidence motion by the then Opposition.

Norton said that whether Jagdeo goes to parliament or not, it is up to the opposition party. “What we will do is analyse the situation and act as we see fit, in the interest of our supporters and the people of Guyana,” Norton said. Regarding a replacement for Persaud, who was expelled from the AFC and subsequently recalled as a Member of Parliament, Norton said that he was told that a decision was made regarding the replacement but he could not confirm whether Colin Bynoe was the choice.