Dear Editor,
I was not surprised that President Jagdeo is not interested in another term in office (‘Jagdeo denies interest in extending term’ SN, January 11). I briefly interviewed the President last October in New York and previously in 2009 in NY and specifically posed the question of a third term to him. He emphatically told me he was not interested, and that the PPP has able individuals to succeed him.
As a follow-up, I revealed NACTA poll findings from 2009 and 2010 showing voters still saw him as the best candidate for President in 2011 and that a majority of the nation wanted him to serve a third term. He still insisted he was not interested. So I was taken aback when I read of a claim that Jagdeo was pursuing measures for a third term. Now the President has put that thought to rest.
The NACTA poll findings show that if a plebiscite were to be held, Jagdeo would have a solid chance to get another term.
And he also would have easily defeated the opposition candidates as voters do not show much confidence in any of them.
When asked what he would do after the presidency, Jagdeo said he would find something meaningful and constructive to keep him busy, and would like to focus on environmental issues.
He also said he would like to spend some time with his ‘ancestors’ in India after his presidency.
Yours faithfully,
Vishnu Bisram
