The parliamentary Opposition were conciliatory following the Government’s shocked defeat, when the No-confidence Motion was passed in the National Assembly on Friday evening.
In an interview on the sidelines, Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo called for maturity. He also noted that the discussion for a presidential candidate will begin next week Thursday.
According to Jagdeo, Friday’s events mean the process will be brought forward.
“I don’t want to speak much about it at this point in time. We have to deal with this situation. It’s unprecedented in our country and both sides have to display maturity in addressing it. This is a feature of our Constitution.”
“It was there since Forbes Burnham was President. It was used today in a democratic setting and the House voted in a particular way. So we have to respect our Constitution and the democratic process,” Jagdeo said.
Asked about Persaud’s vote, Jagdeo noted that the PPP was hopeful one or two persons would use a conscience vote. In fact, Jagdeo expressed some surprise at Persaud’s vote.
“I myself was a bit surprised about the way that he voted,” he said. “But he (Persaud) comes from the sugar belt. And I suspect that coming from the sugar belt and living in that community, he saw the hardship.”
In an interview with Guyana Times afterwards, however, former Attorney General and Opposition frontbencher, Anil Nandlall also called for mature politics to prevail. He cited various no-confidence votes that were taken in the world, including in England.
“We now have one here in Guyana for the first time since our independence. It is sincerely hoped that political leaders on both sides of the divide will now behave in the requisite maturity to take the country to the next stage, which is guide it over the next three months to a General and Regional Elections.”
“We have to deal with the people out there. People may be hurt. People are enthusiastic. You have different types of emotions emanating from different people. Us, as leaders, must take the mantle of leadership and guide our country over this delicate process to ensure our Constitution is observed.”
According to Nandlall, the motion followed the Constitution of Guyana and as a lawful vote, must be respected. He noted that by allowing the motion to run its course, Guyana’s democracy has been improved and the maturity of Parliament displayed.
“We have just witnessed history,” Nandlall said. “We have just witnessed an unprecedented event, a feature of our Constitution being activated. That is what democracy and constitutional freedom is about.”
Nandlall also stressed that Persaud exercised his right as a parliamentarian and as such, his vote must be respected. The MP expressed the hope that Persaud would be protected following his vote.
“He has a right to vote in accordance with his conscience and policies and political beliefs. That is a fundamental right guaranteed to him by the Constitution. All of us have the freedom to support a party of our choice and express support in whichever forum.
Persaud has chosen to exercise that right. And whether we like it or not is immaterial. What we must understand is that we must accept that. He is a citizen. And we hope that no danger will befall him and that he will be protected by the law abiding citizens and the security forces.”
The next steps are spelt out in the constitution of Guyana. Article 106 (6) of the Constitution states: “The Cabinet including the President shall resign if the Government is defeated by the vote of a majority of all the elected members of the National Assembly on a vote of confidence.”
Meanwhile, clause seven goes on to state that “Notwithstanding its defeat, the Government shall remain in office and shall hold an election within three months, or such longer period as the National Assembly shall by resolution supported by not less than two-thirds of the votes of all the elected members of the National Assembly determine, and shall resign after the President takes the oath of office following the election.”
