Dear Editor,
Since the publication of the letter I wrote in the Stabroek News on 10 January, 2019 and titled ‘Proposed Members of new ‘One Party’ Government from 2019 – 2023’, much discussion was generated and many persons are asking how would a ‘One Party’ Government be possible when our Constitution does not allow for such; since it states that the government is formed on the basis of the results of Elections and also to ensure that the process is democratic.
Having had further discussions with various individuals, etc., the following suggestions were made as to how this could become possible: The first step would require engagements with the President, Government and Opposition to agree on delaying elections, in the interest of fixing the issues in the country and channeling all of our energies and necessary resources into protecting our sovereignty. Secondly, Government and Opposition could agree to approach the Judiciary (Courts) for a suspension of the aspects of the Constitution which state that the Government should be established based on the results from Elections.
Thirdly, an alternative to the Courts would be for Government and Opposition to agree to take the matter to the people for a vote through a referendum; specifically to suspend aspects of the Constitution which state that the Government should be established based on Elections and for a ‘One Party’ Government to be established from 2019 – 2023, to complete the Constitutional Reform process; development of an economic and development policy and mechanisms for its implementation through a consensus; and develop a strategy to implement same through institutional reform and mobilizing the society around the policy.
The No-Confidence Motion has created space which would not have ordinarily been created for shared-governance to be facilitated. Therefore, instead of holding Elections by the end of April; it is proposed that, the President, Government and Opposition could facilitate the establishment of a ‘One Party’ Government from 2019 – 2023; as a practical transition for the country, as well as to seriously address issues in relation to our sovereignty.
This proposal also provides Guyana with the opportunity to heal, design a sound economic pathway, strengthen its institutions and re-orient the mindset of the people around a ‘One People, One Nation, One Destiny’ motto; while providing strong national, regional and international leadership.
Let’s see if our leaders will put sovereignty above party politics.
Yours faithfully,
Audreyanna Thomas
Accredited Partnership Practitioner
