In a move that could break an acrimonious deadlock over who will be the Speaker of the National Assembly, A Partnership for National Unity today said it is open to the rotation of candidates for the post with it holding the position for the first term.
At a press briefing, it also said that it is prepared to discuss candidates outside of those that are presently under consideration.
APNU and the Alliance For Change have deadlocked over who they will support for Speaker.
APNU had proposed Deborah Backer and Cammie Ramsaroop while the AFC is holding strongly to Moses Nagamootoo. APNU has said that is does not support Nagamootoo.
Political observers had suggested that the deadlock could be broken via a rotation of the post of speaker where the two opposition parties would hold both the Speaker and Deputy Speaker positions.
Sources say the AFC would now have to say if it is open to rotation and consideration of new candidates.
Reading from a prepared statement, Annette Ferguson of the APNU said that should the parties fail to find agreement on the candidates proposed thus far, the APNU has suggested that a consensus candidate from outside the ranks of the parties be considered.
According to the APNU youth leader, the APNU/AFC talks cover a wide range of issues beyond that of the speakership. “There is substantial agreement and close convergence of positions between the two parties on several other issues, including the strengthening of the various parliamentary bodies, as well as on the economic and governance issues facing the nation. Discussions have been forthright but always conducted in an atmosphere of cordiality and mutual respect,” Ferguson said.
She said that the party will continue to discuss the issue of the speakership as part of a larger menu of issues where the two parties – APNU and AFC – can reach agreement. “APNU has shown, and will continue to show, a willingness to support the AFC to attain the Chairmanship of important parliamentary committees and the Chairmanship of RDCs (where the AFC has a plurality) and of committees of the RDCs,” Ferguson said.
Speaking at the press conference, APNU Vice-Chairman Dr. Rupert Roopnaraine said that there is nothing in the Constitution that precludes the two parties rotating the position of Speaker of the National Assembly.