PPP presidential candidate Donald Ramotar this morning said that he generally didn’t have a problem with the current constitution and should he become president he would probably seek advice on changing the immunity from prosecution afforded to presidents.
He was speaking at a press conference today at Freedom House on Robb Street which he said was convened as there had been requests from the media for interviews. He said it was decided that a press conference would be held first and then interviews granted.
When questioned about constitutional changes, he said that generally he did not have a problem with the current constitution and argued that immunity for a sitting president is necessary. “In a general sense, the president of the Republic of Guyana does not have more powers than any of the other presidents in the world,” he said.
“I would probably seek advice from many of my colleagues along with professional advice on some of these other things about [immunity] in and out of governance and so forth,” Ramotar said.
He said that in all constitutions, there is some measure of immunity that the president would benefit from, because of the very nature of the office they hold.
The executive presidency, the powers it confers on the President and immunities have been areas of concerns for many about the Burnham constitution and its amendments from 2000.
Meanwhile, Ramotar said that the party is about to begin the process of finalizing its full slate for the 2011 elections. He said that the matter of who will be the prime ministerial candidate is still to be discussed. He said too that the party’s manifesto is also in the pipeline.
Questioned as to what set him apart from the PNCR’s presidential candidate David Granger, Ramotar said that the two had grown up differently. Ramotar said he had grown up in a democratic party.
“Our records are different. We grew up differently, I grew up in a political party that has always been fighting for democracy and social progress. Granger grew up in a political party that imposed a dictatorship on this country. I was fighting against what he was defending and promoting, when we were both growing up in this country as well. There are a lot of distinctions between me and Mr. Granger”, he said.
Ramotar also indicated that he would be open to debates among the presidential candidates of all the political parties.
Asked about the President’s recent attacks on other political candidates at the party’s recent County Conferences after Ramotar had promised to have a clean campaign, Ramotar said he had no problem listening to the president attack his opponents. “I don’t have any problem listening to him while he is attacking,” Ramotar said.
Unanimously
Meanwhile in a statement today, the PPP said that its membership had unanimously endorsed Ramotar as the presidential candidate.
It said that the process began in earnest in February and the candidates made their presentations to the Executive Committee and answered questions.
“In the process, it was noted that the candidates frequently exhibited a convergence of views on fundamental issues relating to the development and future of Guyana. This was a clear reflection of Party unity organizationally and politically”, the statement said.
The Executive Committee reported on its work to the Central Committee on April 4th, 2011 and at this meeting three of the candidates withdrew in favour of Ramotar.
Freedom House said that the Central Committee then without any dissent recommended Ramotar’s candidacy to the Party. “This was done through the convening of three county conferences which included members from all of our hinterland regions. The conferences were very well attended with thousands being present and participated in the three conferences – Essequibo, Berbice and Demerara”, the statement added.
Ramotar was quoted in the statement as saying “I would like to express my humble gratitude to the leadership and members for the trust and full confidence shown in my candidature.”
The PPP said it is now putting its machinery in place for the elections at all levels and exhorted its members to work hard for victory at the polls.
