Dear Editor,
In his argument against 4-4-1 (PPP-APNU-AFC) with respect to the composition of select committees in the 10th parliament, the Attorney General alluded to the fact that the PPP gained 26,000 voters more than APNU as justification for APNU not having the right to an equal number of seats on these committees as the PPP. In my opinion he is making basic common sense. But where he has erred in his arguments is with the alternative formula of 5-4-1(PPP-APNU-AFC) to cater for the popular will of the people and in compliance with the principles of proportionality.
This proposal does not cater for the will of the 8,663 voters (combined APNU+ AFC votes in excess of PPP votes). His proposal totally ignores the fact that these 8,663 voters denied the PPP that 33rd seat to give it the right to a formula of 5-4-1 (PPP-APNU-AFC). Don’t they also have rights to be granted coverage under these same principles of proportionality?
The decision of Justice Ian Chang will have huge implications for Guyana since the precedent will be set that will permanently chisel a course for our future.
Democracy is not only about the popular will; we know that through European experience. Democracy is also not only about the wishes of the party with the biggest bloc of votes; it is about protecting the fundamental human rights of all Guyanese, especially those 8,663 voters. Democracy is about making sure you cannot do certain things to individuals such as those 8,663 voters who denied the PPP that 33rd seat.Thus upon giving it much deeper thought and after much debate with a learned colleague, I have changed my opinion. I am no longer in support of 4-4-1 (PPP-APNU-AFC). I believe that to properly represent the wishes of those 8,663 voters who have changed Guyana forever, the formula for the select committees should be changed to 4-3-2 (PPP-APNU-AFC). This proposal gives the PPP the most seats on the committees but still the minority (APNU+AFC =5). Isn’t that what we all voted for in November 2011 – to give the PPP the biggest bloc of votes but the overall minority? This formula is also in full compliance with the principles of proportionality.
Yours faithfully,
Sasenarine Singh