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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

Leader of the PNCR, Chairman of APNU and Leader of the Opposition, David Granger, has had to field questions recently about the effectiveness of the Opposition which together control a majority by one of the seats in the National Assembly. Challenges have also come from within the PNCR to Mr. Granger’s leadership by two formidable […]

The Government has been given the choice by APNU to determine whether it wants local government elections or general elections. It could accede to APNU’s demand and fix a date for local government elections. If it does Mr. Granger will be forced to claim victory. APNU would not then be able to support the no-confidence […]