The main Parliamentary Opposition opted for a House walkout this morning in its latest protest against an “undemocratic” regime. The walkout comes even after weeks of the APNU+AFC faction clamouring for more sittings of the National Assembly and opportunities to scrutinize government spending and law reforms.
When the opportunity presented itself at the 50th Sitting of the National Assembly at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC), Opposition Members of Parliament (MP) turned their heels after they demonstrated frustration with the prioritization of motions.
“The government’s refusal to discuss critical issues such as the high cost of living, the increase in poverty, alleged bribery and corruption involving Bharrat Jagdeo, their unwillingness to debate natural gas flaring and now their refusal to permit the National Assembly to address the issue of the enactment of constitutional and statutory amendments to facilitate a clean voters list are clear indications that the government is not democratic and they have no interest in or commitment to parliamentary democracy,” the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC) said this morning.
It added that the suspension of eight of its MPs, the illegal arrest of an attorney for advising her client to remain silent, and the “emasculation” of the Public Account Committee (PAC) also influenced its decision to walk out.
