Recall Parliament or hold elections

Dear Editor,

The calls by British Ambassador Andrew Ayre, Dr. Joey Jagan and others for the recall (reconvening or “revoking of the prorogue&rdquo of parliament should be heeded.  The Ambassador, Dr. Jagan, myself and others clearly have the interests of the country at heart, and we all want the parties to do what is best for the nation. The people do not want their business (concerns, issues, national development) to be neglected.  Thus, the three parties must listen and act accordingly taking into consideration the peoples’ views. It is understandable why President Ramotar took preemptive action to prevent the dissolution of the national assembly. His reason was clear. The parliament would have been dissolved and the peoples’ business left hanging, leading to elections in the midst of the holiday season. The proroguing of parliament gives all sides an opportunity to cool off from their tough rhetoric. Each side has demonstrated its power that it can check the other. Now there is a stalemate. Is that is the road that they wish to take the people – off the cliff? What next? Will the parties talk with each other or continue to bark at each other? Are they showing off whose bite is bigger or who is “mo man”? Time to end this machismo projection! Now that the life of the parliament has been saved, as explained by the President when he resorted to his extraordinary action, it is time for the parties to reflect, turn back from brinkmanship, and do what is in the best interest of the nation. As Ambassador Ayre said, the constitution gives powers to the President and the legislature and each is not mutually exclusive”.   In other words, there is need for compromise and accommodation – each side must be willing to give a little to return the country to normalcy. It is encouraging to read that the President is heeding the advice of diplomats and those of us who would like to see the country gets back to business.  The President’s letter of invitation to the two opposition parties for talks on moving forward is a welcome step. The opposition should not be obstinate. There is no harm in talking; it is only through conversation with each other that a solution can be reached. It is hoped the leaders of the three parties would meet and reach a compromise as suggested by Ambassador Ayre who suggested that the leaders of the parties first try to trash out their differences and arrive at a workable solution. If they are unable to reach a solution, the Ambassador suggests international mediation; support will be provided by Britain and others to bring about a resolution. News reports indicate that President Ramotar has expressed similar thoughts to those of the Ambassador – domestic attempt at resolution of the issue of prorogue of parliament, and if that fails then he said he would seek foreign assistance.  It is also reported that he said if all efforts fail to reach a consensus on recalling parliament, then he will dissolve the assembly and call fresh elections. Before taking action, it would be wise for the parties to consult with their supporters. A majority of people, in a NACTA survey I conducted a month ago, did not want early elections and indicated they want the parties to work together.  That opinion may have changed. The parties should seek the views of their constituents in moving forward. If the people suggest elections as the way forward, then they should act accordingly.  If not, then parliament should be urgently recalled as opined by Ambassador Ayre. Clearly, the President prefers not to end the life of parliament now. If the leaders of the two opposition parties, after consulting with their supporters, feel parliament should be dissolved, then they should so communicate with the President who should invoke the necessary steps to call early elections. Don’t beat around the bush as we say in Guyana!

Vishnu Bisram