APNU stands alone on Local Government Elections bid
- AFC’s focus remains on General Elections; Ramjattan hopes support is still there
By Abena Rockcliffe, September 14, 2014, By KNews, Filed Under News, Source - Kaieteur News
While Opposition leader, David Granger, has made it clear that his and the interest of A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) is to see Local Government Elections as soon as possible, the Alliance For Change (AFC) maintains that General Elections is what Guyana needs at this time.
President Donald Ramotar
In February the Opposition, by virtue of its one-seat majority in the National Assembly, passed a piece of legislation with the intention of securing Local Government Elections this year.
That piece of legislation—the Local Authorities (Elections) (Amendment) Bill—directed that Local Government Elections be held on or before August, 1.
But President Ramotar refused to assent to the Bill. This prevented it from becoming law, so everything was at a standstill.
Several calls were made for the Administration to allow Guyanese their democratic and constitutional right to vote in Local Government Elections. These calls were echoed by both opposition parties; the Stabroek News; the non-governmental organizations, Blue Caps, and even the diplomatic community.
But the government ignored them all and, in the case of former United States Ambassador to Guyana, Brent Hardt, reacted harshly.
That was overshadowed when the Finance Minister, Dr. Ashni Singh, went ahead and “illegally” spent over $4B.
Because of such spending, the AFC decided to table a no-confidence motion against the government. Of course this was after the party secured support from APNU.
That motion will be debated in October after Parliament comes out of recess and, once passed, will result in the resignation of President Donald Ramotar and his entire Cabinet within a specified period.
Ramotar will also have to call General Elections within three months or (90) days.
Opposition Leader, David Granger
Since the AFC tabled its Motion in August, there was much talk about the “upcoming” elections. However, the only party that has actually launched its campaign for General Elections is the AFC.
APNU had pledged its full support to the Motion so AFC’s plans seem to be on track.
However, on Tuesday last, Granger sent a letter to President Ramotar calling on him to, by tomorrow, set a date for Local Government Elections to be held countrywide.
The political leader said that in accordance with the Constitution of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana, “Local Government is a vital aspect of democracy.”
He told Ramotar, “Local Government Elections, last held in 1994, are a constitutional obligation and a democratic entitlement of the Guyanese people. It is not an option of the executive branch of government.”
In his bid to give the President further reasons to conform with the Constitution, Granger reminded, “You had promised in the People’s Progressive Party Civic Manifesto ¯ Working Together for a Better Tomorrow – to ensure that within one year of the 2011 General Elections, Local Government Elections (LGE) are held.”
The Opposition Leader told the President that he has until or before tomorrow, to announce the date for LGE to be held countrywide; to issue the ‘Commencement Order’ to operationalize the Local Government Commission and to initiate a process by which the Local Government (Amendment) Bill could be returned for his assent.
He advised that, failure to answer such calls would result with the APNU taking “any lawful action to mobilize national and international support in defence of local democracy, the Constitution and the rights of the Guyanese people.”
AFC Leader,
Khemraj Ramjattan
Ramotar has since responded asking Granger to clarify his coalition’s position.
In giving clarity to the media on Friday, Granger said that his coalition’s priority is to see Local Government Elections. He said that “APNU wants one election at a time and at this time it’s Local Government.”
Yesterday, in an invited comment, Ramjattan said, “What we are seeing here is APNU having a separate strategy, one that is distinct and apart from that of the AFC.”
Ramjattan told Kaieteur News that the AFC, as an independent opposition party serving the people of Guyana, has noted the violations of the government and has decided that no longer should it be allowed.
“We noted that the government was up to no good, and decided to do something about it,” said Ramjattan.
He said that when the AFC decided to go full speed ahead with the No Confidence Motion, “we indicated our intentions to APNU and we were given full support…we never got a sense that the priority of APNU was to see Local Government Elections at this time.
Ramjattan made it a point to note that APNU can make demands as that party sees fit because after all “just like the AFC is independent, so is APNU.”
The politician however sought to make it clear that he was never spoken to about a change of plan nor was it indicated that Local Government Election is more important at this time.
He said that the AFC maintains its position that the No Confidence Motion is what is best at such a time.
The Member of Parliament said that he hopes that the Motion can still garner support from the majority of opposition Members of Parliament because “we need to get this government out… that is all I would like to comment on this issue at this time.”
Source -- http://www.kaieteurnewsonline....nment-elections-bid/
