Not convinced that premature general elections are the solution to Guyana’s current political impasse, the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) yesterday urged political policy makers to engage in “constructive dialogue” in order to arrive at agreement on important issues facing the country’s economy and social development.
The GCCI made its position known yesterday in wake of a recent statement by the Private Sector Commission (PSC) ex-pressing similar sentiments. On Monday, the PSC said that a premature call for elections would not be good for the country as it would signal that only in a “winner takes all” environment can progress be made.
In light of the possibility of the opposition bringing a no-confidence mo-tion against the government to a vote and Pre-sident Donald Ramotar’s declaration that his administration is ready, the PSC said the move towards general elections would be “unfortunate” because it would signal political instability to foreign investors, while driving up the political risk premium added to the cost of capital when overseas funding is sought by private entities.
The GCCI yesterday added that general elections are costly, time-consuming exercises which should preferably be conducted when constitutionally due.
“The parliamentary parties must therefore make every effort to find ways to discus, negotiate and reach some level of consensus on issues critical to this nation’s growth and development,” it said in a statement. “The citizens of Guyana deserve no less an effort,” it added.
According to the GCCI, the process of negotiation and agreement occurs in many comparative jurisdictions and it is therefore for the country’s political leaders to demonstrate resolve and maturity which leads to win-win outcomes.
The organisation added that elections discussions should instead be directed and concentrated at the hosting of local government elections, which have been constitutionally due for 17 years.
Echoing sentiments of the PSC, the GCCI said that the absence of local government elections has made and continues to make it difficult for businesses to operate.
The GCCI also that all discussions about constitutional reform seem to have fallen off the map. “The Chamber looks forward to a new level of political cooperation that ensures a prosperous and sustainable economic and social infrastructure,” it added.
