Opposition Leader praised

Dear Editor,
Few politicians have the courage, capacity and ability of Bharrat Jagdeo; people shower praises on his leadership against the Government for early elections. “He is we boy”, they say. There is virtually no comparison to Jagdeo on either side of the political divide. There is hardly any charismatic alternative in the Opposition PPP save one who is engaged in the legal battle for constitutionalism. That is the overwhelming view of people around the country as the Opposition Leader carries the struggle for constitutional rule and early elections.
As almost everyone noted in a survey I am conducting on varied issues, other political leaders would have abandoned this intractable struggle long ago; it is a tough fight with insurmountable challenges. But Jagdeo has stayed the course, and for this, the party’s supporters, and even some on the other side, are most grateful. Even his critics and some within the party who oppose him lauded his fight for elections. They themselves recognise they lack the skills and acumen to lead a struggle the way he does. As people commented, the man has the mettle to lead a fight for adherence to the Constitution and democratic governance. There is hardly any Opposition to his strategy to get early elections.
The Caribbean Court of Justice ruled almost two months ago that elections must be held, in accordance with the Constitution; the Constitution dictates elections be held within three months of a successful passage of a No-Confidence Motion. The motion was passed on December 21. A court challenge put a pause on the date. The pause ended on June 12 with the final verdict of the CCJ; the pause was lifted on that date. However, the body that is responsible for holding the elections says it is not ready. From December to now, some seven months later, preparations for elections have barely started. The President says he will not call elections until GECOM says it is ready. The CONSTITUTION says the President fixes a date and GECOM will advise if that date is practical. The Opposition Leader is carrying the struggle like no other to enforce the verdict of the court for early elections. Other Opposition figures from outside the party have also joined in the battle for respect of the Constitution.
People (party supporters and some on the other side) love Jagdeo; anyone who does not accept this fact is fooling themselves and they lauded his leadership. As people noted, Jagdeo has inherited a leadership (General Secretary of the PPP) some four years ago just after the party was reeling from “two defeats” in general elections. They say the party was perhaps at its worst position when he took over the mantle. Jagdeo has worked conscientiously to restore the party’s shattered stocks like when he was President. He carried the party to two landslide victories in local elections. Whether he can lead the party to victory in general elections is too early to tell as the focus right now is on an election date.
Will the struggle by Jagdeo and others for constitutionally due elections pay off? All legal scholars are unanimous that elections must be held. The overwhelming view among the population at large is elections must, should, and will be held as per the Constitution. But as the President stated a few days ago, GECOM has to advise him when it is ready so he can announce a date. That announcement from the GECOM Chair could come soon after Chief Justice George’s ruling on August 14. The CJ herself is also likely to reiterate the view and order elections.

Yours truly,
Vishnu Bisram
(On the ground among
voters)