This question that forms the headline of this article is before the Chief Justice in the case of Christopher Ram v The Attorney General and the decision is due to be given on June 26. Ram is asking the Court for an order that an individual can stand for elections to the National Assembly as […]
Category Archives: Elections
INDEPENDENCE AND NATIONAL UNITY
As Guyana celebrates its 59th Anniversary as an Independent Nation, it faces many challenges, just as it did in earlier years. Converting a dependence syndrome into a sense of independence, creating the institutional structures of an independent nation, embarking on economic transformation, confronting the challenges of a deeply divided nation, negotiating a way between the […]
THE QUESTION OF ELECTORAL REFORM
The question of electoral reform in its broadest sense has attracted attention. A case has been filed seeking an order that an individual can contest elections without having to be on a list of candidates. The law was passed pursuant to the constitutional reform process in 2000/2001 but regulations to effectuate it, though promised, were never made. Currently, to be a candidate,a person must be named on […]
THE MOCHA ARCADIA SQUATTERS AND THE LESSONS TO BE LEARNT
Is there any lesson to be learnt by the dismissal by the Chief Justice of the case brought by three Mocha residents, Roxanne Allen, Junior Allen and Lashonda Ellis, for relief from the High Court for demolition of their homes, deprivation of their property rights, degrading treatment, among a large number ofother remedies?
MANDATORY BIOMETRIC IDENTIFICATION IS UNCONSTITUTIONAL
The Chair of GECOM, Justice Claudette Singh, has decided that biometric identification as the sole, mandatory, means of identification in unconstitutional. Under normal circumstances, it would be expected that this decision would bring an end to the Opposition clamour for biometric identification and that its advocates would reorient their campaign for legal reform. Not so!