The notion in 1950 by the leaders of the PPP that freedom will bring justice has not materialized. We have won Independence and have shaken off authoritarian rule, but justice has not arrived. The rotation of political power between parties, supported mainly by our two major ethnic groups, has not fulfilled the dream of economic […]
Category Archives: Elections
SEIZE THE TIME!
As if the political controversies were not enough, the rains and inevitable floods brought more woes to the populace. But while the floodwaters and rain will slowly recede, giving way to spring harvesting, our political landscape remains stubbornly arid. The presidential letter has gone out but the opposition political parties remain adamant – no talks […]
CONSULTATION OR CONFRONTATION?
Proroguing parliament is a legitimate constitutional device in Westminster constitutions, whatever its origins and the purpose for which it is used. Much of the time prorogation has been used for partisan purposes, has been unpopular and has incurred much opposition. The Governor prorogued the legislature in 1963 to cause the lapse of the Labour Relations […]
SLIPPING THROUGH THE BACK DOOR?
President Ramotar said in his address to the nation last week that if the Opposition persists with the no confidence motion, he will ‘prorogue or dissolve’ the National Assembly. These are two completely different options. The proroguing of the National Assembly means the termination of this session only and all pending business, which is not […]
THE SPEAKER IS OBLIGED TO CONVENE THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY NOW!
There appears to be no consensus among parliamentary parties about a date for the first sitting of the National Assembly after the just concluded recess. There also appears to be some confusion as to the procedure by which the National Assembly is to be convened. It is claimed that the Government has to make a […]