Granger seeks to allay fears as polls de

setting of a date for elections which “I was in no position to proclaim at that time.”

Collaboration needed

Granger noted that the resolution of the present political challenges requires collaboration. “I am prepared to do my part to ensure credible elections within ‘…the shortest time possible’ this year. The decisions which have to be made and the actions which need to be taken, however, are not mine alone,” he said.

An extension of the three-month deadline would require two-thirds majority support in the National Assembly. Jagdeo has repeatedly said that he will not be returning to the House for an extension beyond April 30th, which is when the current voters’ list expires.

“I rely on the Commission’s readiness, the provision of funds and the expansion of time to conduct credible elections by the National Assembly. I rely on the outcome of legal challenges by the Court of Appeal. I rely, also, on public confidence in the institutions responsible for executing these processes. They demand political cooperation, not confrontation,” Granger stressed.

The president reiterated that it is his desire that credible elections be held in the shortest possible time and, as such, will continue to ensure that government’s actions are consistent and are in compliance with the Constitution so as to assure citizens of a credible electoral process.

“I urge everyone not to be intimidated by incendiary insinuations aimed at instigating disaffection which could affect preparations for elections. I assure everyone that the Government will spare no effort to protect your fundamental rights and freedoms. Guyanese, I am confident that the path we have chosen is the best for the nation,” he added.

At the beginning of his address, Granger sought to allay fears and assure the nation that government’s actions thus far are lawful and necessary.

Since early January there has been no sitting of the National Assembly and no one has been able to say when the next sitting will be held.

However, Granger assured that the authority of the legislative branch is unimpaired and that the National Assembly remains in session.

“This is essential because, under the Constitution [at Article 106 (7)], the Assembly could be summoned to expand the time for conducting General and Regional Elections beyond the period of 90 days from the time of the no-confidence vote on 21st December 2018,” he said, before reminding that the Chief Justice made this point in her January 31 ruling in the case of Attorney General v. the Speaker of the National Assembly and the Leader of the Opposition. This case was one of three filed in the wake of the motion’s passage.

“The National Assembly, therefore, is still vested with the authority to provide the Elections Commission with the time and resources necessary for the conduct of credible General and Regional Elections,” Granger emphasised.

The Head of State insisted that the independence of the judicial branch has been respected.

“The Government’s legal right to appeal to the judicial branch to interpret certain issues relating to the no-confidence vote is enshrined in the Constitution. The legal challenges, in so far as the Government is concerned, were neither frivolous nor calculated to frustrate the implications of the no-confidence vote,” he said before adding that the Speaker of the National Assembly was asked to review his decision in light of the legal issues which arose as to the validity of the vote but declined to do so. The Speaker, he reminded recommended that “a Court of competent jurisdiction” be approached.

In this regard, he said that the Government’s legal actions can be viewed as a means of bringing “clarity and certainty” to the contentious issues which arose as a consequence of the noconfidence vote. He added that Chief Justice, in her rulings on these actions, issued certain declarations and while challenging aspects of those rulings, the government continues to “comply” with them.

“The Government is conducting its affairs in accordance with the Constitution and with respect for the rule of law,” he insisted. It is unclear when the Court of Appeal will hand down its decision. A total of five appeals were filed.

Government remains in office

Granger maintained that the competence of the executive branch is essential to the viability of the state and that the President and Ministers’ right to remain in office is provided for by the Constitution at Article 106(7).

This Article states: “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.”

According to him, the Constitution “contemplate continuity of the Govern ment. There is no lega impediment that restrains th Government from exercisin its functions or requires it t assume only ‘caretaker’ func tions.” Jagdeo was amon those who have claimed tha the government has to tak up a caretaker role until th conduct of an election fo lowing the passage of a no confidence motion against it

“The Government contin ues to protect the country borders, natural resources sovereignty and territoria integrity and to fulfill it international obligations Citizens will continue to b provided with public service at the central, regional an local levels to ensure the welfare. Life goes on, Granger said.

Additionally, the presiden stressed that he is constraine from naming a date for elec tions without the advice an assurances that GECOM would be competent to con duct credible elections.

“Free and fair elections ar essential to representativ democracy. The credibility o elections, in turn, is depen dent in part on the integrity o the Official List of Elector A contaminated list can vit ate the credibility of elec tions,” he said before addin that the government side during its engagement wit the Elections Commission gained the impression tha “considering the small size o the national population, th existing list of electors wa ‘inflated’ and needed to b sanitised.”