–resolution lies in Article 106(7)

Dear Editor,
ACTING Chief Justice Roxane George-Wiltshire on Wednesday ruled on the matters of a Fixed Date Application for Election and stopping the house-to-house registration exercise.
The Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC) notes the utterances that these matters will not be further litigated, even though it is the right of the parties involved to so do. As of now, we must move forward. The nation has lost valuable time in seeing the Government and Opposition come together in charting a way forward from the June 16 ruling of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) and its orders of July 12. It is unfortunate our political leaders are unable to break the gridlock of their non-cooperation to seek parliamentary resolution.

Election will be held, but it will not be held outside of context. The Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) is a constitutional independent body. First and foremost, it is to hold credible election. Having a no–confidence vote that speaks to an election also means that all other factors can come into play, including exigencies known and unknown, which the framers of the Constitution took into consideration.

GTUC calls on the Government to reconvene Parliament in keeping with Article 106(7) and allow for both sides to vote on an agreed extension of time for elections to be held. It is not lost on society, given the no-confidence vote, that there may be apprehension in securing the needed two-thirds majority of all the elected members in the House. This is where the negotiation skills of both parties will be tested in putting the national interest above partisan political interest.

This nation should also disabuse itself of the thinking that an election date can be called without the approval of the National Assembly as per Article 106(7). Failure to respect this can result in litigation. The Government and Opposition must arrive at a position of agreement that will work for the society. Leader of the Opposition, Bharrat Jagdeo is called on to put partisan politics aside and acknowledge the truth as told by him in 2006, and allow GECOM to work, which will help to determine the timeframe for election.

The CCJ upheld the Guyana Constitution, even as those elected and sworn to uphold same continue to ignore that resolution lies in Article 106 (7), coming together and working out a way forward. The GTUC has been on record from day one, and remains unwavering, in calling for such an approach. The Opposition’s preference for ‘street justice’ (showdown) instead of judicial justice has delayed resolution. Street protests in the absence of pursuing legal parliamentary resolution will not bring about results consistent with the courts’ rulings.

Likewise, the Government has to be mindful that silence and non-engagement can give perception and lead to an understanding that they, too, are unwilling to engage and uphold its areas of responsibilities. The real picture might more be that in navigating uncharted waters, the government also did not give the needed leadership.

GTUC notes with concern the preponderance of ‘alternative facts’ (lies) on the courts’ decisions. These intended, no doubt, to keep this nation polarised and divided. Those engaged in such conduct are driving a wedge in society, and preventing the nation from coming together in one of its most vulnerable periods to resolve issues in an orderly and lawful manner. The propagation of such behaviour must not find comfort or support amongst us.

The tendency to hold this nation ransom to political partisanship has to stop. Government, Opposition, civil society and all stakeholders must come together on these matters of national import. We must insist Government and Opposition return to the National Assembly, sit down and work out the modalities of how to best govern in this environment. All are involved in ensuring this period of our history is being navigated with truth and integrity.
Regards,
Guyana Trades Union Congress