The Government of Guyana (GoG)’s justification for not having dialogue with the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC) is nothing but a ruse to exclude the main Parliamentary Opposition – which represents more than 48 percent of the population – from consultations. At least, this is the contention of Vincent Alexander, an Opposition-nominated Commissioner at the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM).
He noted that while the government seeks recognition of its legitimacy from the main Opposition before engagement, the administration is in power and conducts the business of the people. Therefore, recognition or not, the government is in place. Alexander said that the regime demanding to be recognised is only a ploy to exclude the APNU+AFC from weighing in on matters of national importance.
During a Facebook programme, “Advancing the Cause”, hosted by Opposition Member of Parliament (MP), Coretta McDonald, Alexander spoke about the actions of former President of Guyana and founder of the People’s National Congress (PNC), Linden Forbes Burnham, in promoting consultative interactions during his presidency.
“Inclusion was a big thing for Burnham – quite the opposite to the exclusion that we are presently having. In the days, Burnham, notwithstanding all of the problems, [ensured] there were lines open for communication between the main political actors. We now have the lines closed on the contention that you (Coalition) have to recognise the government. The government is in place [and] is carrying out all of the functions of government. In Parliament, the Opposition sits. So, what is this about recognition? It is only a ruse to exclude. So, one can say that there is this intentional exclusion and therefore, the emergence of a what could be considered a dictatorship in this country,” Alexander said.
The APNU+AFC has repeatedly stated that it is open to meeting with the government. The Leader of the Opposition, Joseph Harmon is on record calling for dialogue. The President, Dr Irfaan Ali, has however, made it clear that he will not engage with a party that does not recognise that he or his government is legitimate.
