…GTUC says GECOM needs time to be ready
…urges PPP to return to Parliament, extend date for polls

THE Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC), in urging respect for the Constitution, said this an opportune time for the government and the opposition to return to the National Assembly to extend the period for the conduct of General and Regional Elections, and in the interim, the government should be allowed to function.

In a statement issued on Saturday, the GTUC said there is no doubt that elections have to be held, but made it clear that it is not “a willy-nilly” process, but one with serious implications for all of Guyana.

Turning back the pages of history, the umbrella trade union body pointed to 2006 when the then President Bharrat Jagdeo, now opposition leader, was faced with an electoral process. In an address to the nation the then President said: “The law says that GECOM shall define the form of verification of the list or may decide on verification and will decide on what form it will take. Not the PPP, not the PNC, not any party, GECOM. That’s a constitutional body, independent just like the courts.” Neither the Constitution nor elections laws have changed since then, the GTUC stated, while adding that is an act of serious concern when a different posture is taken – seeking to dictate and malign personnel, and the operations of GECOM — is now being pursued with a bullhorn. It added too that there have been attempts at misrepresenting GECOM’s processes and the pathway to holding an election.
It also took note of the fact that the invalidation of the appointment of the Justice (Ret’d) James Patterson as Chairman of GECOM has left a void within the commission, and that vacancy must be filled in accordance with the Constitution.

Emphasising that a peaceful way forward is imperative, the GTUC warned that stirring up anger and inflaming passions as a means towards a political end have the potential for serious confrontation in the country.

“We should avoid this at all cause [sic], for there will be no victors, only losers. We also leave ourselves vulnerable to external forces. The legal system is obviously working if we allow it to work, if we respect its ruling and if we allow a level of integrity and good will to guide our interpretations.

Both sides must exercise good faith and trust and put together agreed mechanisms how government must function in a caretaker mode. Both sides must return to Parliament and execute their duty consistent with the Constitution. It is a demonstration of goodwill and willingness to work together to arrive at a mutually satisfying [solution],” it implored.
It emphasised too that the government and the opposition must operate in good faith, noting that such will better command respect and trust that they are capable of resolving the current impasse. “They must give leadership and guidance to get out of this political morass with all its potential hazards at this juncture of our growth. Equal onus is on the leader of the opposition to be responsible in his use of language and to desist from making misleading statements that will play to those who are vulnerable and easily influenced,” the labour body stated.

It expressed concern too about those who are seemingly interested in securing their individual and corporate interests at the expense of the working class. Regardless of their differences, former Presidents Cheddi Jagan and Forbes Burnham had a genuine interest in the development of Guyana and its people. “We are yet to see 34 years after Burnham’s passing any vision, any development that matches his era. We are yet to see 22 years after Jagan’s passing, the willingness to sit and negotiate with his opponent across the table,” the union said.

Gov’t must be allowed to function
The GTUC said the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), while validating the no-confidence motion against the government, ruled that Article 106 (6) and (7) of the Constitution should be upheld. Article 106 (6) states that “the Cabinet including the President shall resign if the Government is defeated by a vote of the majority” while Article 106 (7) adds that “notwithstanding its defeat, the Government shall remain in office…and shall resign after the President takes the oath of office following the election.”
The trade union, in noting that everyone should acquaint themselves and abide with the seven clauses of Article 106, said the government should be allowed to use its legal authority to conduct the business of the country. “Anything outside of this is anarchy,” GTUC warned.

It also challenging the political parties in the National Assembly to return to the House, and extend the period for elections as the Constitution stipulates. “Both opposition and government must go back to Parliament to address Article 106 in its entirety. Respect for the CCJ’s ruling would see adherence to this…,” GTUC implored the political parties in the House.

The trade union body said it is well aware that returning to the National Assembly may appear as though one side is losing ground, but the situation should not be about losing ground, but rather about saving Guyana and utilising law and order.
It noted that outside of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), a constitutionally independent body, stating its readiness to hold elections, the extant clause requires activation by “resolution supported by not less than two-thirds of the votes of all the elected members of the National Assembly determine,” if the three-month timeframe cannot be met.

“Government and opposition must return to the Assembly to give effect to this clause,” the union urged, while questioning “why there is no effort to seek a constitutional resolution as instructed by the CCJ as opposed to a political one with the potential for conflict.”
According to the GTUC, Guyana can take the example of political patience and respect for the Rule of Law being faithfully exhausted in other societies. “Take the United States (U.S.) and United Kingdom (UK) for instance, they are utilising the judiciary and legislature to resolve serious differences with President Donald Trump’s administration, and leaving the European Union as with the UK.  As we watch and see the methodical and patient pursuit and execution of the law, why aren’t our politicians learning and adopting these best practices of resolution of conflict. This nation must not be torn apart every time there is political difference and the issue of election comes up,” it reasoned.

It opined that election seems to be an opportunity not just to pursue a particular path of development, but also to drive wedges between the people of the country. “It’s a shame our 21st century politics reflects the backwardness of the 19th century and anti-progressive societies. Gut feelings and passions have their place, but we cannot depend on that in matters relating to governance, where the Rule of Law must take precedence,” it said.