The stage is set for elections

Dec 28, 2018 News

On Friday December 21, 2018, the National Assembly, comprising 65 elected members, debated a motion of no-confidence initiated by the Leader of the Opposition, Bharrat Jagdeo.
When the vote was taken, those in favour numbered 33 and those against, 32. The Speaker ruled that the motion had been passed.
The government side of the House, though reeling from shock that one of its members had voted in favour of the motion, accepted its outcome.
Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo was reported as saying that while the outcome was unanticipated, it had to be accepted.
President David Granger subsequently issued a statement indicating that the government will abide by the stipulations which have been imposed on it following the passing of the motion.
Those stipulations require the resignation of the Cabinet, including the President, but with the government remaining remain in office until new elections, to be held within three months.
The stage is therefore set for general and regional elections within three months, unless an agreement is reached for it to be extended.
The President, in his statement, has noted that the government will do everything necessary to facilitate the smooth functioning of those elections and for normal governmental functions to continue uninterrupted.
No-confidence motions are part of the democratic tradition. A government stays in office only to the extent that it can demonstrate that it enjoys the support of the majority of elected members of the National Assembly in a vote of no-confidence.
This is a time for good sense to prevail and for all concerned to demonstrate that Guyana subscribes to democratic tenets. Such a demonstration will erase the fears of investors and ensure peace and good order.

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