The composition of the Parliament committees

Apr 11, 2012 Letters

Dear Editor,
In his argument against 4-4-1 (PPP-APNU-AFC) with respect to the composition of selection committees in the 10th parliament, the Hon. Attorney General alluded to the 26,000 voters that the PPP gained more that the APNU as justification for the APNU not having the right to an equal number seats on these committees as the PPP.
In my opinion he is making basic common sense. But where he has erred in his arguments is the alternative formula of 5-4-1 (PPP-APNU-AFC) to cater for the popular will of the people and in compliance with the principles of proportionality.
This proposal does not cater for the will of the 8,663 voters (combined APNU+AFC votes in excess of the PPP votes). His proposal totally ignores that the facts that these 8,663 voters denied the PPP that 33rd seat to give it the right to a formula of 5-4-1 (PPP-APNU-AFC). Don’t they also have rights to be granted coverage under these same principles of proportionality?
The decision of Justice Ian Chang will have huge implication for Guyana since the precedence will be set that will permanently chisel a course for our future as to whether our courts are about the preserving the rights of each and every citizens or more focused on pandering to special interest.
Democracy is not only about the popular will; we know that through European experience. The German Government of Hitler was elected popularly and they went on to do terrible things. Democracy is also not only about the wishes of the party with the biggest block of votes; it is about protecting the fundamental human rights of all Guyanese especially those 8,663 voters. Democracy is about making sure you cannot do certain things to individuals such as those 8,663 voters who denied the PPP that 33rd seat.
Thus, upon giving it much deeper thought and after much debate with a learned colleague, I have changed my opinion. I am no longer in support of 4-4-1 (PPP-APNU-AFC). I believe that to properly represent the wishes of those 8,663 voters who have changed Guyana forever, the formula for the select committees should be changed to 4-3-2 (PPP-APNU-AFC). This proposal gives the PPP the most seat on the committees but still the minority (APNU+AFC =5). Isn’t that what we all voted for in November 2011; to give the PPP the biggest block of votes but the overall minority? This formula is also in full compliance with the principles of proportionality.
Sasenarine Singh

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The composition of the Parliament committees

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