Opposition parties against any dialogue with ruling coalition

GEORGETOWN (CMC):

Three small political parties have joined with the main opposition People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) in pouring cold water on a suggestion from the ruling coalition that it remains open to dialogue with other political parties and stakeholders “on the way forward” as Guyana still awaits the results of the disputed March 2 regional and general elections.

In a statement last week, in which it acknowledged that the legal process is still ongoing, the coalition – A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) – said that in the national interest “and with a view to maintaining stability and peace” the coalition “remains open to dialogue with other political parties and stakeholders on the way forward for our country”.

The coalition said that it “is prepared to act responsibly to bring a resolution to the ongoing political situation” and urged “all Guyanese to remain calm and peaceful as we await a credible and legitimate outcome”.

But the move has been dismissed by the PPP/C, which is claiming victory in the elections.

“If (President David) Granger and his band of riggers believe that they can continue to hang on to office after the declaration has been made, then they are living in a fool’s world. If the international community was prepared to consume and levy sanctions against people who are trying to undermine a democracy, even before the declaration, just imagine the consequences the riggers will face if they refuse to leave office after the declaration. Needless to say, the move will be met by fierce resistance by the PPP and other forces fighting for democracy,” Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo said.

Now, the three small parties that are likely to share one seat in parliament, regardless of the outcome of the elections, said in separate statements that they are not in favour of any dialogue with the coalition.

In its statement, A New and United Guyana (ANUG) said it wants the coalition to concede defeat before any discussions could take place.

“If the coalition is indeed prepared to act responsibly, the first act would be to concede they have lost the 2020 regional and general elections. The resolution to the ongoing political situation rests with them in totality, concede and allow a new government to be sworn in,” ANUG said, accusing the coalition of creating the current political situation in the country.

For its part, the Liberty and Justice Party (LJP) said the time has passed for dialogue.

“The time for dialogue was 22 December 2020, at which point it should have revolved around an elections date. They have shown contempt for Guyana in all their actions leading up to date and the international community as of late.”

The opposition party said it believes the coalition needs to concede that it lost the elections, and that could be viewed as a first step to ensuring a democratically elected government is in place.

“After the new democratically government is sworn into office, the Liberty and Justice will actively pursue dialogue with all legitimate and interested stakeholders in finding a progressive path forward for Guyana”, the LJP statement said.

The New Movement (TNM) party said it, too, would only be open to dialogue when a new government is in place.

“We are of the firm belief that your leadership is not genuine and, therefore, conclude that any form of dialogue with your organisation will be like that of stillbirth at this point in time,” TNM said.