Dear Editor,
It is becoming increasingly clear that elections will be held sooner rather than later. Both of the major political parties are already in campaign mode. The ruling coalition has finally come around to the realisation that its days are numbered and that it cannot be business as usual. Whatever doubts it may have harboured regarding its political longevity have been put to rest by the clear and unambiguous ruling by the Chief Justice
The stance taken by the Judiciary on the validity of the no-confidence vote is most refreshing from the standpoint of parliamentary democracy and our emerging national democratic ethos. And even though the ruling coalition has opted to challenge the decision of the learned Chief Justice, it is clear from the actions of its leading activists and State functionaries that it is already preparing itself for early elections.
President Granger should now engage the Opposition Leader without further delay on a date for elections and GECOM should be so informed so that all preparatory work can be done to facilitate the set date. There should be no further procrastination on the part of GECOM which has a constitutional mandate to hold elections whenever it is called. Talks advanced by some people regarding GECOM’s ‘readiness’ to conduct elections are at best frivolous, and at worst, an attempt to stand in the way of the Constitution and the democratic aspirations of the Guyanese people as expressed through their elected representatives.
I urge the authorities to honour the Constitution of Guyana. GECOM in particular should stop pussyfooting and put in place the required mechanisms to facilitate the elections when called. GECOM is constrained by the Constitution. It is a creature of the Constitution and not the other way around. It has a duty and an obligation to hold elections that are free and fair and free from fear.
Yours faithfully,
Hydar Ally
