The recently formed Civil Society Forum, which has brought together a number of religious and non-governmental organisations is calling on the President and the Opposition Leader to recognise their responsibilities to honour the Constitution and uphold the law.
The statement comes against the backdrop of the two leaders not being able to reach any agreement on the elections and the extension of the period for the elections in keeping with the Constitution.
Following the passage of a no-confidence motion, elections should be called within 90 days or at a time agreed to by two-thirds of the National Assembly.
The 90-day timeline runs out on March 21 and the Opposition Leader has not yet agreed to an extension in the Government’s life.
The Guyana Elections Commission has said it cannot hold elections during this month and July would be the earliest timeline by which elections could be held.
The Civil Society Forum said the President and the Opposition Leader must hold themselves accountable towards finding a solution to “this growing crisis”. It said it is willing to lend whatever support is necessary.
And the same group in a separate statement, chastised the President over his recent statements that he has not been properly guided by the Elections Commission to set an election date.
The President met with GECOM last Friday and called on the Commissioners to get over its issues and differences as the Commission needs to provide guidance on its readiness to host elections.
The Civil Society Forum said the President should not be throwing that responsibility over to the Elections Commission since, according to the group, he is empowered to name a date for the elections.
President Granger has repeatedly reminded that the Elections Commission is an independent Constitutional body and he does not intend to interfere with its work. He has said it is the Commission that has to indicate its readiness before any date could be named.
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