With general elections likely, following the recent prorogation of Parliament, President Donald Ramotar confirmed that he will be the People’s Progressive Party/Civic’s (PPP/C) presidential candidate.
Ramotar revealed this during a press conference held at the Office of the President on Friday and his confirmation is the first such word out of the party.
For months, General Secretary of the party Clement Rohee had been sidelining questions on a possible representative at the polls and had said in September that the party had not reached that stage of discussions yet.
However, when questioned on whether he was confident that he would be the presidential candidate for the PPP/C, Ramotar responded, “I am. I am confident.”
The PPP/C is yet to indicate a possible runner for the Prime Minister post in the likelihood of elections. Ramotar’s indication that he will most likely be representing the PPP/C is an interesting one as observers had been questioning whether the party will seek a different ticket given that Ramotar and Prime Minister Samuel Hinds led the party to its worst electoral showing since 1992.
During Friday’s conference, Ramotar further indicated that he would be inviting the opposition in for talks on the way forward following last Monday’s suspension of Parliament.
However, the opposition parties have maintained that they will not be holding any talks outside of Parliament. They further said that the no-confidence motion against the government will be on the agenda whenever parliament reconvenes.
Despite the opposition’s insistences, President Ramotar is holding out hope that dialogue will be held.
“I would say that hopefully when the emotions would have been removed from this, that good sense and maturity will prevail…” he said on Friday.
However, he said, if there is no resolution between the government and the opposition, he will call elections.
“If we don’t go forward then elections is the only way forward,” he said. He went on, “If things become clear at the early stage, I will [call elections].”
