Dear Editor,
Talk about constitutional reform is back in the public arena. I offer some suggestions, which I believe are much needed. Some have been said before in one form or another; others are radical, even unnerving. Still, I believe it is all about giving the country to the people for the first time ever.
First, there must be term limits for presidents, whether consecutive or otherwise. The limit should be two terms.
Second, there should be consecutive term limits for ruling parties. Yes, that is right for political parties, which should be limited to two terms. Unlike presidents, a reformed constitution can provide for return of prior ruling parties after skipping a minimum of one five-year term. This is radical and sure to meet with issues of traction and implementation. But I say why not, given that this country has had one change of government (political party) in over fifty years. Repeat: one change in over fifty years. To facilitate consideration of such a step, accommodations for coalitions should be enshrined among constitutional provisions.
Third, all parliamentary representatives must be citizens of Guyana and Guyana only. They have to make a decision and publicly and officially renounce other citizenship.
Fourth, there must be no immunity from prosecution for any elected representative, up to and including the Head-of-State, whether in office or out of office. Additionally, there should be public inquiries into alleged ministerial misconduct, much like the U.S. Congress.
Fifth, independent watchdog agencies (police, media, procurement and so forth) must evidence majority representation from civil society.
Sixth, provisions must be made for such watchdog agencies to be funded through some mechanism beyond the control of the ruling party.
Seventh, the existing farce of certain senior and sensitive appointments being made “by the president after consultation with the Leader of the Opposition” needs to be replaced by something more robust, more open, and more meaningful.
Eight, there should be numerical limits (I suggest a maximum of two) to selections and interlocking directorships, as emanating from political parties with regard to quasi- and full-fledged state agencies.
Ninth, there should be a separate constitutional court, and not the one-man affair presently in place.
Tenth, High Court Judges (and beyond) should be part of the ballot process, with nominations coming from the political parties that have a parliamentary presence. Further, the practice of out-of-court settlements should be outlawed, except for real minor matters.
I recognize that some of this might create a ruckus, or make citizens cringe. It is only a start, but these can set the stage for taking this society to another level, and one with integrity and accountability.
Yours faithfully,
GHK Lall
