No to power-sharing at the Executive level

Aug 23, 2020 Letters

The right to govern is granted by the people when they exercised their right to vote. They exercise this right after being duly informed by the political parties contesting the elections. Each Party presents their program/manifesto on how they will serve the people. Each extol their own virtues while exposing the weaknesses of the other parties while campaigning.
The people then choose who will serve them best when they exercise their right to vote. Each party had the opportunity to present their case before the vote. They cannot cry foul or change the rules after the vote.
As per our laws and regulations, the right to govern is granted to the political party with the largest block of votes. Representation in parliament is also based on that block of votes which in this case give the PPP/C 33 seats, the Coalition 31 seats and ANUG/LJP/TNM joinder list 1 seat for a 65 seat parliament.
We already have shared governance. All 65 members of Parliament share in the governance of the country. The 33 members of the PPP/C joins with the Executive President to become responsible for governance while the remaining 32 members has the responsibility to hold them accountable for good governance.
If all 65 members of Parliament were to join with the Executive President to govern, who will be authorized by our existing laws to hold them accountable?
I do not believe dialogue should be about shared executive power because a vibrant opposition is always necessary to give the people a different perspective.
Guyana is known to be high on the Corruption Index and low on the Transparency index. In other words, politicians In Guyana are not generally known to always put the people first.
Every day we are getting more revelations on how the Coalition shared the National Pie. Can you imagine what would happen to the National Pie if the Coalition were to share in Executive Power? After both parties finish sharing, imagine what will be left for the rest of the Guyanese.
We need an effective opposition that cannot be blamed for the failures of the current government to give us an option come next elections.
Of course, nothing is there to prevent the current administration from implementing 2 policies:
1. A condition of employment by the government in a non-political position must be to be non-political. Government employees are to serve all Guyanese without fear or favor. Kith and Kin preferences are not to be part of government services. You cannot be actively involved in supporting or opposing political parties. You keep your political views to yourself and exercise your choice only when voting. You must leave gov’t employ when you want to be political.
2. Employ as many qualified opposition party supporters who are qualified for the position subject to the condition 1 above.
I say no to shared Executive Power.
Yours truly,
Sase Shewnarain

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