GEORGETOWN GUYANA – The PPP General Secretary said if the elections are not held within 90 days, then it would be clear that “this government becomes unconstitutional. One day after the ninety days and they become unconstitutional and we have made it clear that the international community would be informed of this and we have made it clear that any engagement with this government, regarding disbursement of loan, grants, any contracts concluded by the government in that period would be considered illegal”.
Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo wants the coalition government to resign from office now and not continue being in office as if its business as usual.
He said the coalition government lost the no confidence vote in the National Assembly and therefore needs to follow the Constitution and resign from office. He said if there is any role government ministers should be playing now, it should be that of a caretaker government.
Jagdeo said “this government has lost a no-confidence motion. The Constitution has provided the clear prescription. You resign upon losing. They should have resigned by now….resign, resign now.”
Mr. Jagdeo made the comments this afternoon after his party held an executive meeting at its Freedom House headquarters.
The PPP General Secretary said if the elections are not held within 90 days, then it would be clear that “this government becomes unconstitutional. One day after the ninety days and they become unconstitutional and we have made it clear that the international community would be informed of this and we have made it clear that any engagement with this government, regarding disbursement of loan, grants, any contracts concluded by the government in that period would be considered illegal”.
Jagdeo also told reporters this afternoon that he has written to the chief justice about any move by the government to approach the court to stay the hosting of elections. He wants his side to be heard also.
“This morning we deposited a letter in the Chief Justice’s office to say that any attempt to seek ex-parte arrangements to stay the no confidence motion, we want to be heard on it. But we believe the judiciary should not engage in any action that could violate what is so explicit in our Constitution”, the Opposition Leader said, adding that the Governments needs to stop “being like rats on a ship” full of desperation.
Meanwhile, Mr. Jagdeo also announced that his party is preparing for elections within ninety days and has started the process to find its presidential candidate. He said although he is already leaning towards one candidate who he did not name, the process will be done by secret ballot.
