WPA warns against any attempt to subvert term limits

The Working People’s Alliance (WPA) yesterday said that it hoped that the PPP/Civic would not engage in any “adventurist” steps to subvert term limits.

In a statement yesterday, it noted that the elections due in 2011 will bring to an end President Bharrat Jagdeo’s two full terms in office.

“The WPA hopes and expects that the PPP/Civic would not engage in any adventurist process aimed at subverting the Constitution and its term limits. The WPA advises, well in advance, schemes to subvert and/or undermine the Constitution would be most unwise”, the party said without further elaboration on what prompted its warning.

Much of the public discourse on this matter has been fuelled by contentions that President Jagdeo is interested in a third term. However, as recently as last week, President Jagdeo said at a private sector dinner he felt the need to address the issue of the constitution possibly being amended to extend presidential term limits following several comments about him winning again if he runs in 2011.

“I have no interest in another term… all that speculation out there is just that, speculation. The media has been in a frenzy,” Jagdeo said.

He opined that the speculation might be triggered      by persons who fear that he may endorse a particular   individual.

Nevertheless, some commentators say that Jagdeo’s statements do not categorically rule out a third term. There are suggestions that he could also opt for a Putin-type formula where he comes back as the prime ministerial candidate or seek to extend this current term.