Bar Association calls for all parties to make steps to avoid Constitutional crisis

In its statement last evening, the Bar Association said the filing of appeals and applications for orders staying the operation of the clear timelines fixed by the Constitution cannot stop the time from running within which elections must be held.

Bar Association calls for all parties to make steps to avoid Constitutional crisis

The Bar Council of the Guyana Bar Association is concerned that fifty-four (54) days since the passage of the no confidence motion, no date has been fixed for elections within the required constitutional period or otherwise.

The Constitution calls for elections to take place ninety days after the passage of the motion or at a date agreed to by the national assembly.

In its statement last evening, the Bar Association said the filing of appeals and applications for orders staying the operation of the clear timelines fixed by the Constitution cannot stop the time from running within which elections must be held.

The Association said only a resolution of the National Assembly supported by not less than two-thirds of all of its elected members can extend the time for elections if it is necessary to do so.

The Chief Elections Officer has already indicated that elections cannot be held within that ninety day period which expires in March.

The Chief Elections Officer has advised the Commission that the earliest date by which GECOM could be ready for elections would be in the month of July.

The Elections Commission, which has members nominated by both the government and the opposition, has not agreed to a timeline as yet.

But the Bar Association is of the view that the Guyana Elections Commission is required by the Constitution to issue instructions and take action as appear necessary or expedient to ensure fairness, impartiality and compliance with the Constitution on the part of persons exercising powers or performing duties connected with or relating to the registration of electors or the conduct of elections.

The Bar Association wants all parties involved, including the President, the Leader of the Opposition and the Guyana Elections Commission, to take immediate steps as will avoid Guyana entering into a constitutional crisis.

 

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