PPP leaders said on Friday that the governing party is prepared for fresh elections, but noted that the decision lies with President Donald Ramotar.
Sections of the state media have been reporting that the budget cuts could lead to fresh elections. National elections were held last November.
Responding to questions from the media on the issue during a press conference on Friday, Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee gave all assurances that the party is ready for fresh elections.
Asked if he could confirm whether party groups were told to be on the ready for elections, he said that he could not. He said further that that was a matter for the General Secretary to address.
Water Minister Irfaan Ali later recalled that following the first set of budget cuts, the President had said that new elections were possible.
The joint opposition A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and the Alliance For Change (AFC) have both said that they are also ready for fresh elections.
APNU member Lance Carberry, during a press conference Thursday, while noting the party’s readiness said that there is a process involved to hold new elections including the fact that Gecom must be in a state of readiness and there must be a prepared voters’ list. “It is not possible for you to simply wake up one morning and hold elections,” he had said.
AFC’s Chairman Khemraj Ramjattan, speaking at a separate press conference, had said that while returning to the polls would cost at least $100 million, he was optimistic that his party could raise money and that it could win more seats.
