President Ramotar said in his address to the nation last week that if the opposition persists with the no-confidence motion, he will “prorogue or dissolve” the National Assembly. These are two completely different options.
The proroguing of the National Assembly means the termination of this session only and all pending business, which is not postponed to the next session but concluded in their unfinished state. The prorogation can only last for up to six months and elections are not constitutionally mandated. A new session resumes by proclamation. There are political constraints as to how long, within the six-month period, the government may wish to prorogue. A dissolution has the effect of terminating the life of the National Assembly. It has to be resumed in four months and cannot be resumed except after elections.
The government’s fiscal year ends on December 31. It is required to present the estimates within ninety days thereafter. The Government has authority to spend during this period and up to a month thereafter if an
