President Donald Ramotar is seeking clarification from Opposition Leader David Granger about his ultimatum on Tuesday for a date to be named by Monday for local government elections.
In a letter to Granger released today by the Office of the President, Ramotar said “Unfortunately, the position represented in your letter and the positions expressed by your Party after my receipt of your letter are both ambiguous and contradictory.
“In the circumstances, before I can properly respond to your letter, I wish for you to clarify what precisely is your Party’s position.”
The President’s statement about ambiguity revolves around the view that the call for local government elections by the Opposition Leader conflicts with the planned opposition motion of no confidence against the Ramotar administration which if passed will lead to early general elections.
Granger has already said that there should be no problem. A statement yesterday from his opposition coalition said ”APNU wants to state clearly that our call for His Excellency, President Donald Ramotar to name a date and set the machinery in place for the holding of local government elections is in no way contradictory, but rather complimentary of our stated position regarding local democracy and respect for the Constitution of Guyana.”
Granger has said that if there is no response by Monday, APNU “shall be obliged to take any lawful action to mobilise national and international support in defence of local democracy, the Constitution and the rights of the Guyanese people”.
Ramotar’s letter follows:
Mr. David Granger, MSS, MP
Leader of the Opposition
Office of the Leader of the Opposition
61 Hadfield Street
Werk-en-Rust
Georgetown
Dear Mr Granger,
I acknowledge receipt of your letter dated 9th September 2014, the content of which I have duly noted.
Please be assured that there is no need to remind me about upholding the Constitution of the Republic of Guyana and about the importance of democracy as the track record of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic administration is one that has always defended, advocated and promoted constitutionality, the rule of law and democracy at every level in our country.
I note your recognition of the fact that all matters relating to the fixing of the date for elections both local as well as national, remain within the preserve and prerogative of the Executive. However, I consider your views as important in our nation’s democratic equation. Unfortunately, the position represented in your letter and the positions expressed by your Party after my receipt of your letter are both ambiguous and contradictory.
In the circumstances, before I can properly respond to your letter, I wish for you to clarify what precisely is your Party’s position.
Yours sincerely,
Donald Ramotar
President
