Dear Editor,
When the coalition APNU+AFC government lost the no confidence motion on December 21, there was a lot of sympathy for it. People everywhere praised the government when their spokespersons (the President, Prime Minister and others) announced they would respect the outcome of the no confidence vote and invoke the steps outlined in the constitution that speak to such a defeat. The government had not lost much of its support at that time, and there were even some (sitting on the fence) willing to give it another chance. At the time, people saw the government as respecting the constitution and subscribing to democratic credentials.
But then there was a change of tone from the government side; it announced it would not accept the outcome of the no confidence vote presenting a set of ridiculous, barefaced nonsensical arguments (of a half man, no confidence vote illegal, dual citizenship, etc.) moves undertaken by the government show it is clutching at straws to hold on to power. At a minimum, people see these arguments as trending towards dictatorial behaviour or anathema to democratic norms. More and more the government is losing sympathy over its claims. It is best if the government spokespersons just shut up, resign, and hold elections. It still has a chance at coming out on top.
The coalition is not going to win any of its arguments to stay in office. The Speaker of the House ruled against it. The Chief Justice landed another telling blow on Thursday. The Chief Justice or any court could not rule any other way – the Constitution is clear – when the government loses a no confidence vote, it must resign (President and cabinet) and be a caretaker government till elections which must be held within 90 days. The Court of Appeal and CCJ will not render a much different verdict – as the constitution is very straightforward on the absurd claims made by the government.
Some forty days have passed since the no confidence vote. The government has less than fifty days within which Gecom must hold an election. The government should resign now and announce a date for elections to show the world it subscribes to democratic parliamentary principles.
Yours faithfully,
Vishnu Bisram
