Introduction: Stabroek News has invited the People’s Progressive Party/Civic, A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and the Alliance For Change (AFC) to submit a weekly column on governance and related matters. Only APNU and the AFC have submitted a column this week.
As Guyanese move into election mode, A Partnership for National Unity will continue to focus on plans to make good governance a reality. The coalition will focus on issues which affect the people, instead of on personalities and political figures — issues such as the rule of law, and its role in democratic governance.
The rule of law is the principle that law should govern a nation as opposed to arbitrary decisions by individual government officials. Rule of law is a cornerstone of good governance; it is essential for human rights, including those of indigenous peoples, women, minorities, children, those with disabilities, and the economically disadvantaged. Every citizen should be subject to the law including lawmakers and officials. Government must conduct its business within the ambit of the law. In the absence of the rule of law,