Dear Editor,
SINCE the passing of the no-confidence motion on December 21, 2018, our national politics has been driven by the reality that elections must be held. This will continue until such time as the national and regional elections are held. There is no consensus between government and opposition on the way forward. Hopefully, that situation will change with time.

The opposition party, the PPP/C, after the no-confidence motion, has dug its heels in the sand with its demands that the government must resign and call elections in keeping with Article 106 (6) of the Constitution. On the other hand, the government has resorted to the courts, seeking legal clarity on the validity of the no-confidence motion. At the same time, it is insisting that Article 106 (7) expands the options and until the courts determine

otherwise, it is given the right to govern until elections and a new President is sworn into office. In this dispute, the Constitution seems to support the contentions of both sides in their respective positions. President David Granger and his government have stated that they will abide by the court’s (CCJ) final decision on the validity and consequences of the no-conference motion.

In spite of the hostile polemics at times from the opposition, their supporters and allies, there appears to be an unspoken resolve by the PPP/C’s leadership to manage the situation in the interest of their party and the nation – without backing down on their rhetoric and aggressive posturing. This judgement is based on a careful assessment of the PPP/C leader, Bharrat Jagdeo’s rhetoric – “ blowing hot and cold” as he feels necessary.

Objectively, we have arrived at a point where real politic has kicked in, in so far as holding the elections on or before March 21. 2019. GECOM’s earlier declaration that it is in no position to conduct elections by the March deadline was indicative of this reality and was no surprise to anyone. Given the organisational, financial and constitutional requirements which include house-to-house registration, a process that is intended to purge the list of its bloatedness, while at the same time guaranteeing that no one will be disenfranchised,

GECOM has since begun the process of election readiness by announcing its intention to begin recruiting temporary staff to proceed with that aspect of things, relevant to putting itself in a position to conduct the much-sought after elections. Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo is conscious of this fact but finds it politically inconvenient to concede its necessity; instead, he pretends otherwise; a tactic not without merit in the present political situation.
However, each passing day the opposition leader and his party are facing the logic of real politic. Their insistence on elections on or before March 21 has become politically

unrealistic. Put another way, the practicality of his party’s demand has become irrelevant. Mr Jagdeo and the PPP/C’s leadership must be mindful that objectively, the political situation has evolved since the passing of the no-confidence motion. It is in the interest of that party to respond sensibly to the changed circumstances. Failure to do so will be foolhardy, demonstrating political paralysis.

Objectively, the PPP/C strategic goal should be adjusted from elections on or before March 21, 2019 to elections at the earliest possible date, in keeping with an established GECOM timeline. Jagdeo’s present position for elections before the expiry of the voter’s list is politically a non-starter. By not adjusting its tactics and redefining their strategic objective within a realistic time frame that takes into consideration the present balance of forces in the equation, is nothing less than a disservice to the nation and the party. The present challenge facing Jagdeo and the PPP/C cannot be resolved by “gamesmanship”, that will not suffice given the hard political reality.

For what it is worth, my contention is that the opposition party is fully prepared for early elections and believe they will be declared the winners when those elections are held. This may very well be an erroneous conviction on their part. Their game plan is that early elections have given them a distinct advantage over their main political opponents. The coalition’s reduced support at the local government elections that preceded the no-conference motion is a factor in the PPP/C’s conviction that they will win the elections.

Therefore, early elections are in their best interest and they are aware that each passing day erodes that advantage and tilts the scale in favour of the APNU+AFC coalition.
This brings me to the opposition leader’s statement of refusing to have a meeting with President David Granger unless election date is on the agenda and his most recent statement listing a number of demands for meeting with the President. His advocacy on these matters, when taken together, are good political rhetoric for energising his party’s base; However, the question to ask is it sound politics, given that party’s strategic objective? Sometimes in politics, even “politically savvy ” when cornered or faced with a difficult situation has to bite the bullet and make compromises.

Since Jagdeo is not a “shame face politician” I believe he would do what is necessary. I am not surprised that he has changed his position and will meet with the President. Only time will tell what will eventuate.
Regards
Tacuma Ogunseye