TNM wants no association with APNU+AFC

-plans to lobby for constitutional reform for parliamentary independence, GECOM representation

LEADER of The New Movement (TNM), Dr. Asha Kissoon, intends to lobby for the parliamentary independence of the joinder opposition parties as she prepares to take her seat in the National Assembly.

Dr. Kissoon will be replacing Leader of the Liberty and Justice Party (LJP) Lenox Shuman, on the joinder list, who in the last two and half years held the post of Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly.

At a joint press conference with A New and United Guyana (ANUG), Dr. Kissoon on Friday said she intends to petition for the independence of the smaller parties in parliament.

“The joinder as an independent has not been able to shine legally because we fall under APNU+AFC (A Partnership for National Unity+ Alliance For Change) as opposition. So, I’m hoping to institute a change or some constitutional reform that gives us that independent voice, representation in GECOM [Guyana Elections Commission] and allow us to function as independent opposition,” she said.

She further intends to evoke change within the country’s political landscape, which she said is dominated by a ‘polarised’ two-party system.

“I’m here with the objective of letting the Guyanese people know that there is a third force and this third force is representing persons who don’t believe in the two-party system,” she said.

She emphasised that her party is willing to work with the representatives of every party that sits in parliament.

“We are ANUG [and]TNM. We are not joined with anybody; however, we are willing to work with government or opposition for the betterment of the Guyanese people as long as it’s issues that concern the betterment of the Guyanese people,” she said.

Herself and party have been working behind the scenes, hosting a number outreaches and advocating for the people.

“We have been in the background as a team, working in communities, doing outreaches speaking to persons, helping as much as we can but now, we are publicly getting into parliament and continuing the good work we’ve been doing.”

She said that TNM also intends to lobby for better support for the vulnerable and differently-abled citizens.

“Something I am very passionate about is taking care of the vulnerable, so when it comes to policies with better pension, or differently-abled persons, I’m hoping to introduce something in that regard.”

While the announcement of her parliamentary stint has been made, it is unclear when she will occupy the seat and in what capacity.

She is, however, open to taking up the post that will be left vacant.

“I’m not eyeing it [Deputy Speaker position] per se, it has to be voted on and I have no idea how that will go but I do believe that any capacity that I’m able to represent my constituency, I will be willing to take that…I will learn from his [Shuman’s] negatives and positives and try to improve on it,” she said.

Dr. Kissoon entered politics for the March 2, 2020 elections as the presidential candidate for TNM.

The TNM, together with ANUG and the JLP, joined their lists to contest the elections.

Following the 2020 polls, the parties gained one seat in the National Assembly and an agreement was later made between the three parties that would see them rotating the seat over the five-year period.

Dr. Kissoon’s stint is expected to last for three months; however, it is subject to change as the three parties collaborate on what is best for their consistencies.

 

SHARE THIS ARTICLE :
Facebook
Twitter
WhatsApp

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

All our printed editions are available online
emblem3
Subscribe to the Guyana Chronicle.
Sign up to receive news and updates.
We respect your privacy.