No-confidence motion “properly and legally worded”

Aug 13, 2014 News

By Zena Henry
In the past few days, Government has reportedly been advised that the no-confidence motion filed by the Alliance for Change (AFC) and supported by A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) was “properly and legally worded” and if approved, there is nothing it could do but call early polls.

AFC’s David Patterson handing over the no-confidence motion to Clerk of the National Assembly Sherlock Isaacs.

AFC’s David Patterson (left) handing over the no-confidence motion to Clerk of the National Assembly Sherlock Isaacs.

According to information, Parliament officials informed the government to that effect, after inquiries were made on the legality of the motion. A fully researched report on the matter was presented, along with examples of similar occurrences in other countries, including India and the United Kingdom.
It is alleged that in the one line motion presented, it was inquired of the Parliament why no reason was given for the no-confidence. This, officials say, would have facilitated a basis for which the Administration might have challenged the motion in the Courts. The government was again informed that nothing was wrong with the procedure by which the motion was presented.
Kaieteur News was told that in the laying of the motion, a reason does not have to be given, since that would be a topic of debate when the matter comes up in parliament.
AFC General Secretary David Patterson, told Kaieteur News yesterday that the motion simply resolves that the party has no confidence in the current Administration. He stated that there are no “whereas” clauses that would indicate a reason for having no-confidence in the government.
“We have learnt from our experiences,” Patterson stated as he explained that within the no-confidence motion, the party sought to leave no avenues by which the government could challenge the motion in Court.
“We know that the judiciary seems to be entertaining any frivolous matter.”
“It took a lot of research,” Patterson said. He stressed that the models of several countries were looked at before the crafting of the motion. Kaieteur News understands that the motion was handed over to the Speaker of the House Raphael Trotman on Monday by Clerk of the National Assembly Sherlock Isaacs. It is expected that the document should be returned to Isaacs before the weekend and there will be notices of the action.
Should the need for a special parliamentary meeting arise before Parliament’s recess ends, a request with credible reason has to be made to the Speaker. If this is not necessary, action on the motion will more than likely be dealt with following the recommencement of parliament in October.
However, in a bid to prevent the history-making event of being forced to resign, the Administration has hinted its willingness to abide by the no-confidence motion, even opting to call snap elections before the motion is brought up in parliament.
On Monday, the People’s Progressive Party (PPP)’s General Secretary Clement Rohee referred to “snap elections” as one of the party’s cards.
He stated that he has been working with the Elections Commission to address issues they might be facing in relation to readiness and preparedness, so that general and regional polls could be held, if required.
The AFC recently made good on its promise and tabled the no-confidence motion. The combined opposition – APNU and the AFC – have complained bitterly about being unable to get their views over to a “defiant” government. The no-confidence motion was prompted by the excess spending of some $4.5B by Finance Minister Ashni Singh.