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Govt. has counter to no confidence motion – Dr. Luncheon
While the opposition may have played one of the most unprecedented moves in Guyana’s political history with the
Cabinet Secretary,
Dr. Roger Luncheon
laying of a no-confidence motion, there are options available to the government that could either frustrate or simply close the chapter on preparations for early general elections.
When the political opposition brought a no-confidence motion, which is premised on the belief that the powers in charge are no longer fit to run the country, the government has the option of bringing a confidence motion to the National Assembly.
A no-confidence motion is a vote against the government that it cannot run the affairs of the country efficiently.
According to a legal officer, once government brings a confidence motion, it would take precedence over the no-confidence motion brought by the political opposition. This, of course, would delay the process of dealing with the no-confidence motion in a timely manner.
Even if the government does not decide to play this card, it can always resort to calling for a judicial review of the no-confidence motion. This can take a period of six months.
The legal officer said that it is not farfetched for one to conclude that the government might go this route, as it has developed a pattern of taking matters to the court when it is not satisfied with a particular decision or ruling of the National Assembly.
He explained that even the judicial review, which can take up to six months, can also be granted another extension if the Chief Justice requires such. With this in mind, he concluded that it is highly unlikely, “in spite of all the talk of early general elections” that anything will come to fruition in 2015.
Attorney General Anil Nandlall was asked yesterday whether the government has considered using either of the two moves when the National Assembly comes out of recess in October. “I will comment on our moves at the opportune time,” he said.
However, a government official has confirmed that talks have already begun as to how the administration plans to
President
Donald Ramotar
effectively deal with the political opposition’s no-confidence motion.
Kaieteur News was also told that it is very likely that Government will most definitely lay a confidence motion, and if it is defeated, will resort to “plan B”—a call for a judicial review.
One letter writer had written in August about this option that is available to the government. He contended that the government is clearly trying to “delay and play silly games” to avoid facing the electorate on the no-confidence motion.
He had made reference to Article 106 of the Constitution which says, “Notwithstanding the defeat, the Government shall remain in office and shall hold an election within three months, or such longer period as the National Assembly shall by resolution supported by no less than two-thirds of the votes of all the elected members of the National Assembly determine, and shall resign after the President takes the oath of office following the election.”
The government has ruled out calling an early election to forestall the opposition-sponsored no-confidence motion.
The Alliance For Change (AFC)-sponsored motion is expected to be debated by the 65-seat National Assembly when the parliamentary recess ends on October 10.
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