Dear Editor,
The events of Friday night’s “Christmas Surprise” can be compared to the fictional world of a season finale of the HBO show Game of Thrones, which features many unexpected plot twists and turns that leaves audiences jaws dropped.
Now that the reality of what has occurred is beginning to soak in with the majority of the populace, with opinions on Mr. Persaud’s actions varying widely, we must now examine the practicality of the no-confidence parliamentary vote against an elected government being a feature of our democracy.
First off, I want to condemn those, including the state newspaper, the Guyana Chronicle, for advancing this notion that Mr. Persaud’s action can be compared to the Biblical character known as Judas. In fact, his actions restored faith in our parliamentary democracy and shows that the highest legislative institution isn’t as predictable in its outcome, which one assumes to be the case considering our parliamentary history and the structural flaw of the Proportional Representation list system, where one’s allegiance is expected to be solely with the party leader who handpicked him/her to serve. Moreover, Mr. Persaud only invoked his right to vote based on the powers given to him by the constitution, which makes this absurd notion that his action was treasonous all the more preposterous.
That being said, and moving forward, our political leaders need to discuss as part of constitutional reform the removing of the no-confidence provisions from our laws. People elect governments to serve full terms and unless something really egregious occurs that threatens our national security or the well-being of our nation, that government must be allowed to serve its full term as given by the people at general elections.
Now that the cat has been let out of the bag, firstly under the Ramotar administration and which had to prorogue parliament to avoid the vote, it should be of no surprise that the opposition took this route on this occasion.
I would suspect that this will become a regular feature of our politics and this cannot be a good thing considering the uncertainties that come with it and the prospect of several general elections in a few short years. Space does not permit to mention the negative effects that this would have on the psyche of the people and the strength of our economy.
Yours faithfully,
Clinton Urling
