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Granger Praised for Leadership
Dear Editor,
While supporters of the opposition forces (parties) are disappointed (and even utter words of condemnation) that President Granger has not announced a date for election as mandated by the constitution, his supporters have praised his leadership for acting in their interests and of those of the APNU (PNC) party. While supporters of the opposition parties are praiseworthy of Bharrat Jagdeo, Anil Nandlall and others for putting up a strong fight for elections, supporters of the coalition are pleased that their government has kept the opposition at bay from capturing political office irrespective of the method used to achieve that objective. Party supporters and those running the government and benefiting from being in government want to retain power and will advise a date that achieves that goal.
Anyone who studies political science would know that a ruling party (any party for that matter) and its leadership (President or Prime Minister) act in the best interests of its supporters – attend to their needs to retain the base and pursue policies that would enhance re-election. President Granger (and his PNC dominated government) has done exactly that for which his supporters applaud him. Critics (political scientists, in particular) also consider him as politically astute for deliberately taking his own sweet time in calling an election and stretching the meaning of clauses in the Burnham constitution, something his predecessors failed to do when exercising power. Political scientists (scholars who study politics as a profession) feel Granger acts and behaves like he is in charge of a nation unlike his predecessor. He acts like a man in command who knows what he wants for his people. He pursued policies not worrying what the opposition thinks about them. And unlike his predecessors, he embraces critics to win them over. Political scientists are critical of Granger but they applaud him for his leadership capacity and ability to act in the best interests of his people. A political scientist would tell any ruler to act in the interests of those who voted for you. And Granger has done so. Granger is on a mission or goal for his supporters, and he pursues it regardless of what the opposition thinks or what the international community says. He acts decisively not fearful of consequences. Political scientists suggest that would be successors should take a lesson from the page of President Granger in exercising power.
On an election date, in the parliamentary system, an incumbent calls an election when it is advantageous for re-election. A ruler does not call an election or makes decisions (pursue policies) to benefit the opposition. Thus, Granger has not responded haphazardly to or allowed himself to be pressured by GECOM’s announcement that it will be ready to hold an election end of February.
It is reported that Mr. Granger consults with top advisors (experts, specialists, strategists, tacticians, and pollsters) for recommendations when it is best for him to schedule elections to enhance re-election. Can the same be said of his predecessors or those aspiring to unseat him? Granger does not act “willy nilly” or by “vaps” in setting a date for election. He threads carefully, methodically, and decisively to choose a time period for election that will improve his party (supporters’) chance at re-election. He studies the various options and gets the best advice. No amount of goading or pressures (from the opposition or diplomats) would change his mind or expedite his decision making in setting the election date or divert attention from his acting in the best interests of his people. Granger will announce a date soon when it suits him and not when the opposition feels it is best for it. He will take his own sweet time and fix a date for elections to maximise his chance at an outcome favorable to APNU (PNC). He has the armed and police forces and the bureaucracy to back him whenever he decides to hold elections.
As pointed out by political scientists, unlike his predecessors, Granger has put trusted supporters and retired army personnel (who are/were his friends) in strategic positions to help him win re-election. His supporters are rallying with and showering praises to him. And political scientists feel Granger has earned kudos for the manner he has exercised power since being put into office in May 2015.
Yours truly,
Vishnu Bisram
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