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Guyana needs constitutional reform

Jan 25, 2016 Letters

Dear Editor,
Politicians make promises that they hardly intend keep, making them to win elections; that is the essence of politics. Politicians must never be trusted regardless of party affiliation; they are all made of essentially the same cloth regardless of party. People must demand they carry out their promises especially on constitutional reforms to devolve power towards local administrative units.
During the election campaign, with much fanfare the APNU-AFC politicians committed to constitutional reform promising that within six months there will be a new constitution and local government empowered. The coalition announced constitutional reform as its first order of business as well as it would hold local government election within three months if elected.
It also promised to put together an independent constitutional commission (headed by a senior lawyer not affiliated with the two parties and comprising eminent non-political persons) to consult with the nation on drafting a new constitution or amend the current fraudulent one.
A date for local election was announced but outside of the promised time frame. Nevertheless, credit goes to the coalition for holding an election whereas the preceding PPP regime showed little interest in holding local government election some 18 years overdue although the PNC was an obstacle to holding local elections. The PPP was forced into early election over a refusal to hold local election among other reasons.
On constitutional reform, a committee was appointed (although beyond the promised time frame,  headed by AFC Chairman Nigel Hughes and comprising political folks but with no PPP affiliates to give it balance. The committee submitted a report (though later than the promised time) to the government that has not been seen by the nation. Essentially, the Nigel Hughes Committee report essentially talks of constitutional reform – not significantly different from what has been going on since the fraudulent constitution was imposed on the nation in 1980 without a referendum . The nation does not know whether there will be constitutional reform and or whether the executive or politicians will be stripped of power that will be given to the people and or local government organs.
Few politicians keep their promises and virtually none agree to reduction of powers after being sworn into office. Virtually no politician in any part of the globe, in spite of what they say, has voted to reduce its powers; that is their very nature. In Guyana, the coalition had promised that before local elections are held, reforms would be executed empowering local governments granting them control over many local matters that are now being carried out by the central government. That reform was not carried out and local governments are not being given promised powers. Also in Guyana, by their behavior, it does not appear that the ruling coalition or even the PPP opposition will go for constitutional reform to empower the people or reduce their powers.
Will the coalition government appoint an independent commission tasked with making recommendations for (or draft) a new constitution? Will the people be consulted on a new constitution? Will people be given a choice?  Will a new constitution be approved by the population? The Chief Justice had ruled that any constitutional reform (amendment) must be approved by referendum. People are not convinced power will be given to the population. Will the coalition prove them wrong?
Vishnu Bisram

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