The Working People’s Alliance (WPA), one of the parties that make up A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), is urging both the Government and the Opposition to respect the decision of the court on the legality of the No Confidence Motion.
In a statement issued today, the party noted that it has been following the developments of the motion since its passage in the National Assembly on December 21, 2018 and said that it believes that the passage of the motion has placed Guyana in “unchartered territory”.
“This is the first time there has been such an outcome in our legislature. WPA is not surprised by the sharp political division that has since occurred – there is too much at stake,” the party said.
According to the WPA, its members have been briefed by APNU Members of the Cabinet Sub-Committee and the party has observed the court action which was filed.
But the party intimated that it is standing on the side of the law in the matter.
“WPA has taken note of the arguments on both sides of the divide on the legality/illegality of the results of the motion and we firmly believe that the situation facing Guyana requires a swift resolution in the courts. On such important matters, the principle of judicial review should be activated,” the party stressed.
The WPA further emphasised that the matter requires political maturity from both sides and called on the Government and Opposition to rise above partisan considerations and be responsible leaders to minimise any major political fallout.
Meanwhile, the WPA said that, President [David] Granger’s statement that “all Constitutional requirements will be met” and his assurance to “the Guyanese people that this is not a crisis which could dissolve into any type of confrontation” is very important, particularly in this fluid period of great uncertainty.” The party continued, “Now that the matter is in the courts, there should be a joint pledge to respect the eventual outcome.”
The WPA’s statement comes almost a week after the APNU+AFC Coalition definitively stated that it would be pursuing the legality of the passage of No Confidence Motion before the courts after Speaker of the National Assembly, Dr. Barton Scotland, maintained that he could not review the motion himself.
