Ramjattan insists he is eligible for re-election

AFC leadership

Despite concerns of his re-election breaching the party’s constitution, incumbent Alliance For Change (AFC) Leader Khemraj Ramjattan is adamant about running for a third term, noting that the provisions in the party’s constitution differs from that of the national Constitution.

AFC Leader Khemraj Ramjattan
AFC Leader Khemraj Ramjattan

Article 19 (1) of the AFC’s constitution provides for the rotation of leaders within the AFC “so as to ensure a broader activism in leadership positions by the membership”.
However, Ramjattan told reporters on Thursday that while the constitution was formulated to ensure the change of leadership was a necessity, it does not exclude those of whom might want to run for a third term or whom might be nominated to run.
“… that formulation was never done in identical terms to what the national Constitution says, which eliminated after two terms. We were two very good lawyers who formulated it in that way which extends but a desirability – that’s why the world “ought” was used and not “shall” or “must”,” he explained.
Meanwhile, former AFC Leader Raphael Trotman, one of the founders of the party, had strongly objected to the notion of one member holding the same position for more than two consecutive terms. In fact, Trotman, who aided in the drafting of the party’s constitution, had asserted that the spirit of the constitution was to ensure that the leadership is constantly rotated.
However, Ramjattan posited that this will result in the entire hierarchy of the party being excluded from running.
“Now when you start gaining experience and expertise in leaders, that provision must not exclude thus to the extent of then having what sort of leadership… if we were to exclude, it would necessarily mean that Trevor Williams will have to go, the General Secretary will have to go, myself will have to go, the (Prime Minister) PM who is Vice Chairman for two terms will have to go, Michael Carrington will have to go, Cathy Hughes will have to go,” he further stated.
According to Ramjattan, he wants to create a precedent that indeed people can run a third term if it is a necessity of the situation and the circumstances. He asserted that his necessity to run for a third term is informed with his nomination by the membership of the party and the fact that he has provided a high quality leadership since his appointment in 2012.
Challenging his quest for the AFC’s top leadership spot at its National Executive Conference (NEC) this weekend are incumbent Vice Chairman Moses Nagamootoo and Executive Member Raphael Trotman.
When approached for a comment on Wednesday, Trotman told Guyana Times that he is pleased to know that several regions and chapters have confidence in him and still wants him at the helm of the party.
“I’m going to represent them and will respect whoever wins. We’re all one party and one people, and we will make the party stronger so I’m very humbled to be nominated, and happy as well, and promise to serve in whatever capacity and in whatever position in placing,” he related.
According to Trotman, his nomination alone has given him confidence ahead of this week’s conference. Meanwhile, asked how confident he is about his nomination for the party leadership, Prime Minister Nagamootoo teased with a smirk saying, “wait for this weekend, wait for the surprise.”
In addition, Nagamootoo, Ramjattan and Trotman are also contesting for the post of AFC Chairman, which is currently vacant following the resignation of Nigel Hughes. Nagamootoo is currently acting Chairman. Also vying for this spot is Executive Member Catherine Hughes.
The Vice Chairman position is being contested by Nagamootoo, Trotman, Hughes, Valerie Garrido-Lowe and Audwin Rutherford. Additionally, David Patterson is being challenged for the General Secretary post by Michael Carrington, Alison Mohamed and Marlon Williams.
A major shakeup in the AFC’s leadership structure is expected at its NEC which will be held at the Vreed-en-Hoop Secondary School on January 28.
At the NEC, the AFC will also appoint its 12 National Executive Committee members from a total of 73 nominees.
In addition to the 12 elected members of the National Executive Committee, each Regional Management Committee and overseas chapter, along with Women for Change and Youth For Change are entitled to send a representative to the NEC meetings. The NEC can co-opt up to five members if the need arises for additional representation in particular areas.