A group of civil society organisations today voiced concern that the country is headed towards a constitutional crisis and it urged the President and the Leader of the Opposition to “recognize their respective responsibilities to honour the Constitution”.
A statement from the groups follow:
The Civil Society Forum, having taken into consideration the events that have unfolded since the passing of the No Confidence Motion on December 21, 2018 in our National Assembly and, especially, having taken into account the ruling of the Chief Justice on the validity of the No Confidence Motion, expresses its concern that our country is approaching a constitutional crisis.
The Constitution, and the court rulings to date, require the President to name a date for elections within 90 days of December 21, 2018 (i.e. by March 21). His not naming that date thus far has increased the probability that the government will be accused of being illegal after March 21.
At the same time, the Forum was heartened by the fact that the President and Leader of the Opposition have met on two occasions. We call upon the President and the Leader of the Opposition to recognize their respective responsibilities to honour the Constitution and uphold the law and to hold themselves accountable for finding a solution to this growing crisis which endangers our democracy. We assure them of our support, as may be needed, to ensure the success of their efforts.
The Forum stands ready to meet with the President, having already met with the Leader of the Opposition.
Elizabeth Alleyne
for
Civil Society Forum:
The Anglican Church of Guyana
Guyana Human Rights Association
Movement Against Parking Meter
Inter-Religious Organization
Guyana Presbyterian Church
Roman Catholic Church
Transparency Institute of Guyana Incorporated
Guyana Rastafarian Community
Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union
Private Sector Commission
Red Thread
Aircraft Owners Association of Guyana
RISE Guyana
