While the Government of Guyana (GoG) continues to occupy office until general and regional elections are held, it will not act unilaterally. In fact, the regime has agreed to work along with the Parliamentary Opposition on matters that require the intervention of both sides.
In a statement issued over the weekend, the government said that it has welcomed the consequential orders issued by the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ).
“The Government will comply with the orders issued by the CCJ that, during this ‘interim’ period, it will restrain the exercise of its legal authority. This means that, while the Government will continue its routine management of the country, it will also address urgent issues that are in the public interest. It is also prepared to consult with the Opposition on matters which require the agreement of both sides,” the statement read.
The Government further said that it is an ‘interim’ government but it emphasised that Cabinet has not stopped functioning and government must continue to provide public services. The Constitution of Guyana, in Article 106 (7), states that, notwithstanding its defeat in the National Assembly, the Government shall remain in office and shall hold an election.
As it relates to the appointment of a new Guyana Elections (GECOM) Chairman, the government said it agrees with the Court on the importance of the President and the Leader of the Opposition to conclude the process of appointing a new head of the elections body.
“The Government and Opposition have met three times in the past week to “hammer out” the list of six nominees in accordance with the CCJ guidelines.
That process has not yet been completed and the Government has committed to continue approaching the matter in a consensual manner, as stipulated by the CCJ, The Government is confident that a GECOM Chairman could be appointed in a few days’ time. The Government contends that the appointment of a Chairman of the Elections Commission is an important step in continuing the elections process which has already begun. Government remains committed to holding credible elections in the shortest possible time.”
President David Granger, recently noted that GECOM is responsible for holding elections and not the Executive. GECOM, therefore, has to advise the President of its readiness to conduct elections.
