Period after no confidence vote not one for “showmanship”, GTUC cautions

“Both Government and Opposition have a responsibility to maintain order and safeguard our nation’s stability and peace,” the Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC) has said in a statement, alluding to the period of uncertainty to follow the no-confidence vote against government.

The GTUC, in a release, referenced the sections of the Constitution that govern the passing of a no-confidence motion against government, outlining what is to be expected after such a vote is passed.

It noted that even with provisions made within the clauses for the President and his accompanying Cabinet to resign following a majority vote, the Constitution makes no reference to a “caretaker government”, but instead, makes allowances for the government to continue functioning within the interim.

“Article 106 (7) expressly states that, `Notwithstanding its defeat, the Government shall remain in office and shall hold an election within three months, or such longer period as the National Assembly shall by resolution supported by not less than two-thirds of the votes of all the elected members of the National Assembly determine and shall resign after the President takes the oath of office following the election,’” it noted.

The GTUC pointed out that with the elected executive being responsible for the “day-to-day administration of the State”, it is imperative that government and parliament continue to operate to continue the smooth functioning of the society, even in light of such a motion being passed.

“Article 106 (6) and (7) though allowing for a confidence motion against a sitting government does not dictate for society to function without a government in the interim. To demand otherwise is to court anarchy and to operate not in our best national interest,” it added.

As such, the GTUC noted that “both Government and Opposition have a responsibility to maintain order and safeguard our nation’s stability and peace. It is not a period of showmanship and ‘digging down,’ for the political forces still have to meet, talk and work together.”

Furthermore, the GTUC noted the importance of stakeholders feeling confidence that the safety, well-being and the future of the society has been considered in the ongoing process, and stated that the common good and national interest “must take precedence over any partisan political gain”.

With reference to the meeting planned between President David Granger and Leader of the Opposition Bharrat Jagdeo, the GTUC opined that other stakeholders, including those within the government, be included in the initial meeting. Subsequent to that, they advise that others within civil society, including trade unions, private sector members and religious representatives, be included in the discourse.

“Inclusion in our democracy, in this decision-making process is important for our country to overcome these turbulent times. We must strive to further avoid fracturing or jeopardizing our commitment to social cohesion and as our national motto states “One People, One Nation, One Destiny,” the GTUC said.

“…As a first for the country, though constitutionally enshrined, we are chartering new waters unfamiliar to both the Government and the Opposition, whom it is evident are both challenged in navigating same to preserve the national good and maintain stability. The challenges of this period must only serve to remind us of the growing pains of democracy,” GTUC said of the motion.