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A constructive solution to the current real or imagined crisis
DEAR EDITOR,
As the Guyanese nation awaits the outcome of various court cases and President Granger’s consultation with GECOM, some political actors have whipped themselves and their acolytes into a frenzy raising the spectre of some real or imagined dictatorship already in full swing or in the making. As someone who actively participated in the fight for free and fair elections, I am of the firm opinion that the current situation is not the same as that existing pre-1992.
Moreover, the current political frenzy in some quarters could lead to unrest that the country can ill afford. A constructive solution to the current real or imagined crisis is for an agreement to be reached between the government and opposition to return to parliament and pursue a legislative agenda that will find favour with the vast majority of Guyanese. When that agenda is completed, a credible election could be held in a peaceful and civilized environment.
A possible legislative agenda could include the following: 1) a disproportionate assets and income act. This will augment existing integrity legislation and help in the fight against corruption, irrespective of who forms the next government; 2) A campaign financing act to limit how much could be raised and spent on elections. Again, the intent should be to stamp out corruption, in this case, in the election process. A level playing field in this area will strengthen democracy; 3) A human rights bill with a firm commitment to establish a functioning human rights commission; 4) A revision of the constitutional provisions on the rights of Guyanese citizens to participate fully in the political process, irrespective of where they earn a living.
Legislation such as outlined above will have lasting positive value for all Guyanese and will allay the fears of those who may find themselves on the losing side in future elections.
Jang Singh
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