With Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Nigel Dharamlall on a leave of absence to facilitate a rape investigation, the ruling PPP/C can face peril in parliament and would have to depend on the vote of the one-seat joinder list for a majority.
The ruling party holds 33 seats, APNU+AFC 31 and the joinder parties one seat. Since he has taken a leave of absence and faces a serious investigation and possible charges, it is not expected that Dharamlall will attend Parliament anytime soon.
This would mean that any motion or bill brought by the PPP/C government to Parliament would attract a maximum of 32 votes from the government benches. If all APNU+AFC members were present and the list joinder party voted with them against the PPP/C then the motion or bill would fail.
The joinder seat is currently held by The New Movement but is expected to move shortly to A New and United Guyana. It was earlier occupied by the Liberty and Justice Party headed by Lenox Shuman who had voted solidly with the ruling party and held the position of Deputy Speaker.
To preserve its majority, sources say the PPP/C could recall Dharamlall from Parliament and replace him. It is believed that given the seriousness of the allegations against him that Dharamlall may not be returning to parliament anyway.
It is unclear when the next sitting of Parliament will be called but not many have been convened this year.
Even with 32 seats the PPP/C would be able to stave off a motion of no confidence even if the list joinder party voted with APNU+AFC.
