Dear Editor:
Permit me space to comment on the ongoing constitutional crisis which seems to have evaded the prefixed vision of several commentators across the spectrum of print media, social and discussion forums. Generally speaking, a constitutional crisis results from a political crisis which invariably centres on government officials’ promulgating and promoting activities in contravention of constitutional provisions. At this juncture, most of us have our eyes glued to March 21 and beyond, as the commencement of constitutional malaise. This, however, may not materialize once the other constitutional provisions are followed.
Meanwhile, the ongoing constitutional crisis resulted from the ministerial plenary meetings or ghost cabinets which are attempts to resurrect the Cabinet. While such meetings may be in order, decisions taken cannot be used in furtherance of national socio-economic/development policies and programmes. To do so would be usurping the powers vested in the Cabinet which died on December 21. Therefore, beginning with the publication of the Official Gazette on March 9, and the subsequent appointments of members to several Boards contravene the constitution, and consequently, unlawful. This can and may potentially transform the constitutional crisis into a sociopolitical crisis.
In essence these and other similar acts of the APNU + AFC would be subjected to revocation by the next government for two reasons: unlawfulness, and political expediency. Given that the current government is acting in contravention of the constitution, thus unlawfully, the next government (highly likely to be PPP/C) must of necessity use the appropriate means to revoke these appointments. Furthermore, no government would want to have their Boards and Commissions pre-stacked with opposing members, as such skewed situation could stymie national socioeconomic development/ progress.
In a nutshell, while corrective actions would be necessary, doing so would likely receive a negative political spin and lead to a political and potentially socio-ethnic crisis. Notwithstanding their unlawful appointments, these members would resist removal and likely accuse the new government of “witch hunting”.
Yours faithfully,
Ronald Singh
