Dear Editor,
President David Granger’s action to unilaterally appoint Justice (retired) James Patterson as the new Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) was clearly within his constitutional power and duty as President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, given that the Opposition failed to submit a nominee that was acceptable for the position.
The President over the past few months has made valiant efforts to consult and have open dialogue with the Leader of the Opposition and members of the political Opposition regarding the requirements as stipulated under the Constitution for the selection of nominees for the position of the GECOM Chairperson.
Unfortunately, the three separate lists of nominees that the Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo submitted over the past few months proved to be unacceptable for the post of GECOM chair.
According to the Constitution, the President has the discretion to determine the person who is duly qualified for the position and has a duty to appoint that person.
Justice (retired) James Patterson has been deemed to be fit for the post in accordance with Article 161 (2) of the Constitution which states that, “the Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission shall be a person who holds or who has held office as a Judge of a court having unlimited jurisdiction in civil and criminal matters in some part of the Commonwealth or a court having jurisdiction in appeals from any such court or who is qualified to be appointed as any such Judge.”
The comment made by Opposition Leader Jagdeo – for all to adopt a non-cooperative approach with Government – is reckless and threatens the stability of our democracy. We urge all Guyanese to deter from any such action and let us all work together for the betterment of this great nation of ours.
We look forward to the commencement of work in preparation for Local Government Elections in 2018 given the lengthy delay in appointment of the Chairman.
Respectfully,
Amna Ally, MP
General Secretary
People’s National Congress Reform
