Government accepts “interim” status following CCJ ruling

The Government said it agrees with the Court that it is of greatest importance that the President and the Leader of the Opposition conclude the process of appointing a new Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM).

Government accepts “interim” status following CCJ ruling

In a statement on Saturday evening, the Guyana Government it accepts that it is an ‘interim’ government, “but emphasises that Cabinet has not stopped functioning and government must continue to provide public services”.

In its ruling, the CCJ said the December 2018 no-confidence motion against the Guyana Government was validly passed and that the constitutional provisions on the passage of that motion were triggered. Those provisions include the resignation of the President and Cabinet from those cabinet functions.

However, in its statement, the Guyana Government said the Constitution of Guyana at Article 106 (7) states that, notwithstanding its defeat in the National Assembly, the Government shall remain in office and shall hold an election.

The Government said it agrees with the Court that it is of greatest importance that the President and the Leader of the Opposition conclude the process of appointing a new Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM).

The President has indicated his readiness to meet to move the process forward and the Opposition Leader has done the same, but a date for the meeting is still to be set.

“The Government contends that the appointment of a Chairman of the Elections Commission is an important step in continuing the elections process which has already begun”.

President David Granger

According to the Guyana Government, it is to be noted that the Elections Commission is responsible for holding elections and not the Executive. “GECOM therefore has to advise the President of its readiness to conduct elections”.

The Government said it will comply with the orders issued by the CCJ that, during this ‘interim’ period, it will restrain the exercise of its legal authority.

“This means that, while the Government will continue its routine management of the country, it will also address urgent issues that are in the public interest. It is also prepared to consult with the Opposition on matters which require the agreement of both sides”, the statement said.

You must be logged in to post a comment Login