Dear Editor,
Much has been said by commentators with regard to President Donald Ramotar’s prorogation of parliament. The opposition has generally labelled the President’s move undemocratic, leading to a one-party state. Perhaps, they should learn from the Canadian precedent. In December 2008, the Canadian Prime Minister, Mr Steven Harper, who had a minority government (143 of 308 members of parliament) was on the verge of facing a no-confidence motion in parliament by the combined opposition. Earlier, Mr Harper had alienated the opposition parties by introducing legislation in Parliament that would deny valuable public funds to opposition parties, depriving them of the ability to do research on public policy. The opposition Liberals and the New Democratic Party agreed to form a coalition with the intention of defeating the government and forming a new one. They never had the opportunity to introduce the vote of no confidence, however, as Mr Harper pre-emptively requested the Governor General, Michaelle Jean, to prorogue parliament. After consulting well known constitutional experts, the Governor General agreed and parliament was prorogued. By the time parliament met in late January, the opposition coalition had disintegrated and the Prime Minister survived. Mr Harper’s Conservative government would eventually be defeated. A new election was called and the Conservatives won a majority (166 members elected out of 308), after two successive minority governments. What is the lesson to be learnt? Be careful what you wish for.
Yours faithfully,
Ganesh Harila
lMontreal, Canada
