The People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) is contending that President David Granger, is conveniently leaning on the Constitution.
Following an address to the nation by the president yesterday, the PPP took umbrage to comments he made regarding the independence of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM). While the PPP said that they recognize this constitutionality, there is inconsistency by the president when it comes to adhering to constitutional directives.
The Head of State said yesterday that “GECOM is insulated from political influence, instruction or interference and its independence is safeguarded by the Constitution.”
“I urge everyone to uphold the Constitution and respect the judgment of our independent institutions and the people who have been appointed to manage them,” the President said.
The PPP argues that while the President complies with the constitution regarding the functioning of GECOM, the same energy was not exhibited to ensure that the constitutional timeline for new elections was upheld when the government fell to a no-confidence motion. The PPP argued too, that the President as well as cabinet, did not resign as per Article 106 of the Constitution.
The party says that while GECOM is protected by the constitution, the commission is also loyal to the constitution.“GECOM is also subservient to the very Constitution that guarantees its independence. However, as has been evidenced before, the caretaker president conveniently ignores this fact and attempts to convey the impression that GECOM, being an independent body, can afford to ignore its obligation to comply with the Constitution of Guyana.”
Further to that, the PPP made reference to the court’s ruling regarding GECOM’s compliance with the constitution.
“In its order after ruling that the no-confidence motion was validly passed on December 21, 2018, the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), on July 12, 2019, was clear that: “The Guyana Elections Commission (“GECOM”) has the responsibility to conduct that election and GECOM too must abide by the provisions of the Constitution.”
