Ramjattan to seek re-election despite AFC’s constitutional ban

…major shake-up looms in AFC leadership

Alliance For Change (AFC) Leader Khemraj Ramjattan has indicated his desire to run again for the leadership post in the party, despite a constitutional ban.

Article 19 of the AFC’s Constitution states that, “The various senior positions of the AFC, including those in the National Executive, Regions and Groups ought to be rotated as far as is possible so that no member is allowed to serve more than two consecutive terms in the same office, so as to ensure a broader activism in leadership positions by the membership.”

Ramjattan was elected as AFC Leader in 2012, serving already four years which is equivalent to two terms. According to Article 7 of the party’s Constitution, “A national convention shall be held every two years at a place and time decided by the National Executive Committee.”

Ramjattan, though adamant to be re-elected to serve in the leadership capacity, is expected to face stiff competition for the post at the upcoming elections which will be held at the party’s National Executive Conference (NEC) later this month.

Ramjattan told a news conference on Friday that he will run again for the highest position in the party’s leadership and that he welcomes the nominations of other party members, citing that it represents the democratic nature of the AFC.

However, this goes against the AFC’s Constitution which places a limit on persons serving in the leadership position of the party.

AFC’s General Secretary David Patterson, during the news conference, indicated his willingness to accept the nomination for the leadership post.

“If I do have to challenge, I will. From the time I have joined the AFC nobody has ever declined or stepped down from a challenge. The party decides. So, if I am nominated, I will stand and let the delegates decide who shall be the leader for the next two years,” Patterson, who is currently Public Infrastructure Minister, said.

Senior Member of the AFC and Telecommunications Minister Cathy Hughes also posited that she too will accept a nomination.

“Why would the ladies want to be left out of the management of the party?  We are a young party and I think that is what is exciting about the AFC. We love a challenge. We play hard, we discuss hard and we work hard. We don’t feel any impediments, that there is a way you must do this or that and that a leader must not be challenged and that kind of thing. It is an open game. Our members are the ones that will make the nominations and we are up for the challenge,” she stated.

The AFC’s National Executive Conference (NEC) will be hosted on January 28 at the Vreed-en-Hoop Secondary School in Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) – the first NEC outside of Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica).

The NEC will include elections for the position of the party’s leader, Chairman, Vice Chairman, General Secretary and 12 National Executive Members.