The Organisation of American States is the first international group to express its views on the decision of Guyana’s President Donald Ramotar to prorogue the Guyana Parliament in face of a no confidence motion against his administration.

In a statement from its Washington Headquarters, the OAS noted that its Secretary General, Jose Miguel Insulza, has taken note of Proclamation by the President to Prorogue the Parliament and Mr. Insulza stated that, in a democracy, an efficient functioning of the Parliament allows for checks and balances and for the voice of the people to be heard.

“Since the last elections in November 2011, Guyana has had a split governance system with the executive controlled by one party and the combined opposition having the majority in Parliament. This situation presents both challenges and opportunities for all parties in Guyana to work together for the greater good of the country”, the statement said.

According to the OAS statement, In light of the reality of the Parliament of Guyana and its composition,  the Secretary General of the OAS urges both the governing and opposition political parties to redouble their efforts to reach an understanding and compromise on the major political and socio-economic issues facing the country.

Secretary General Insulza also said he hoped that parliamentary debate could be resumed in the 10th Parliament in the shortest possible period of time.

President Donald Ramotar on Monday prorogued the Guyana Parliament, thereby suspending the current session and bringing an end to all Sittings. The prorogation period could continue up to six months.

The President in an Address to the Nation, said his decision to prorogue the Parliament was his option to put off a no confidence debate that the Opposition parties were getting ready to move against his administration.

The Opposition parties have accused the President of silencing the voice of the people of Guyana by blocking parliamentary sittings. The Government is hoping that the Opposition will use the time to have face to face discussions with the government on major issues. The Opposition parties have shut down any such discussions as they have pointed out that there is nothing they could discuss with the government out of Parliament that cannot be discussed in Parliament.

 

Filed: 11th November, 2014

 

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