Dear Editor,
What has politically changed to make a difference so far in Guyana? The PPP/C government is adamant that the rules allow them to form the government. The opposition feels their one-seat majority also entitles them to political governance, but it must be within the cabinet. There is no rule which requires any such compliance. In fact the PNC has constitutionally forbidden national unity by forming any after-elections coalition. The PNC is well known to follow its own mission since its creation. In any post-election unity government being touted, which party will be designated the official opposition in our democracy? Will parliament still be necessary afterwards, and will this absence then become acceptable?
The rules allow the President and PPP/C government the final say.
Should the opposition with its majority be formally included within the cabinet they still remain in majority control of parliament. In effect they would be the de facto government in cabinet and the official opposition as well. The hollowness which now insists there cannot be democracy without any parliament cannot be indifferent about the absence of any official opposition, most necessary for any democratic parliament. Currently the opposition is hampering Guyana’s economic development considering the PPP/C government has done a magnificent job in avoiding the worldwide economic recession.
What does the Commonwealth Charter, a creature of its creators have to say?
Guyana’s constitution is very clear how and which party forms the government of Guyana. By winning the plurality, according to the rules, the PPP/C is entitled to the presidency. By including the opposition in the cabinet, they would in effect have agreed to be political eunuchs both in their own cabinet and in parliament.
So the AFC-APNU opposition does not want to be the official opposition. They want the PPP/C government to give them everything they demand. In cabinet or in parliament? Dr Henry Jeffrey insists that there must be a parliament in a democracy. He is right of course. But Guyana’s parliament consists of a ruling party, an opposition and the president.
Which parties are not playing by the rules – like we don’t know? The electorate must be decisive in the next elections. The contest is between President Donald Ramotar and the PPP/C government and the AFC-APNU coalition with Mr Moses Nagamootoo as their presidential candidate. With the changing times the boundaries are now clear cut.
Federalism still remains the best and final solution to a problem which has no ready answers.
Yours faithfully,Sultan Mohamed
