An almost casual reference to a no-confidence vote against the government by AFC executive and former PPP/C stalwart Moses Nagamootoo is fast mushrooming into a high-stakes standoff with risks for both the government and opposition, analysts say.
Since being reported in Wednesday’s edition of Stabroek News as saying that his party was mulling a confidence vote which could bring the government down and trigger fresh general elections, the joint opposition has lent credence to Nagamootoo’s disclosure. Alliance For Change (AFC) Leader Khemraj Ramjattan stated on Friday that the party had received positive feedback to the idea of a motion and that one could be presented within weeks to parliament. A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) Leader, David Granger also lent to the mounting speculation when he told Stabroek News on Wednesday that the issue of a no-confidence motion against the Ramotar government will be discussed at the next shadow cabinet meeting of the coalition to be held tomorrow. He said there had thus far been no discussion between the two opposition groups which would have to vote together for the motion to succeed.
Talk about the no-confidence motion drew immediate reaction from the highest levels of government, a sign analysts say that signalled concern in the Ramotar administration that its control of the executive that has seen 30 months of continuous confrontation with the opposition and stalemate could come to a screeching halt.
