Ramotar announces polls, withholds date

President Donald Ramotar addressing the media yesterday at State House (Photo by Arian Browne)

Amid political deadlock and facing growing criticism over his decision to suspend parliament, President Donald Ramotar yesterday announced that he will call general elections but declined to name a date, saying that he will “announce further steps” in this direction early next year.

“I have considered and I have consulted and this is my resolve: We will go to elections,” Ramotar told a news briefing at State House yesterday. He conceded that his suspension of parliament had failed to achieve his objectives but refused to reveal the date for polls, saying that it is his prerogative to decide. He did, however, say that early in the new year he would disclose the date.

The president’s refusal to name a date was derided by the parliamentary opposition who deemed it “cowardly” and “farcical.” They called on