Dear Editor,
In the interest of effective governance, I have always supported Opposition Leader David Granger’s calls for inclusionary democracy; the present winner-take-all system has been a total failure. The fact too, that inclusive governance is the reason that APNU was formed, is very significant and must be emphasised.
I am encouraged that Mr Granger has recently repeated that call. I am equally pleased that on August 29, Mr Granger stated that APNU’s doors are open to all, including the PPP/C.
The PPP/C’s General Secretary, Clement Rohee, has recently indicated his party’s new-found support for a ‘national alliance policy.’ Before this, the PPP/C had never done anything to indicate support for any alliance.
Therefore, APNU’s position – which has always been clear – and the PPP/C new, obscure, and sudden declaration, cannot be equated with each other, because they are likely motivated by different factors.
APNU recognised the need for fundamental change, and established the coalition three years ago. On the other hand, the PPP/C is over sixty years old. The party is arguably autocratic, oligarchic and anti-democratic, and many believe that some officials are corrupt. Therefore, the PPP/C may be interested only in keeping its officials in government, because to lose office may result in investigations and audits. And now that they realise that the end is near, they have suddenly discovered that they support a ‘national alliance policy,’ as a way to keep power.
For many Guyanese, this is a stumbling-block to full support of inclusionary governance. And the Leader of the Opposition needs to address this and other issues if APNU hopes to get more widespread support for inclusion. And APNU needs to do this quickly, loudly, repeatedly and in detail.
For now, I will list two points that APNU must address:
1. Given that an inclusionary government may include current PPP/C officials, how does APNU intend to ensure that any corrupt official in an APNU government, is dealt with? Will there be a removal of immunity from prosecution? Will the Integrity Commission be reorganised? Will there be future investigations of present wealth?
2. Given that inclusionary democracy operates at all levels of government, and is thus different from elite accommodation, which accommodates officials ‘at the top,’ what systems will be implemented to determine merit, and how will officers and officials be selected for their posts? And by whom?
I would encourage my fellow Guyanese to support a change of system. And inclusionary democracy is an excellent idea; there is none better. We need positive change, and the time has come to abandon the old, ineffective, divisive politics of the past. Let us move on and progress as a people.
Guyanese though, may have legitimate questions. And I would urge Mr Granger and APNU to answer those questions, so we can move forward quickly.
Yours faithfully,
Mark DaCosta
