Guyana: Granger says elections possible in March 2020

Guyana President David Granger has announced March 2, 2020 as the earliest date for fresh regional and general elections, more than a year after his coalition government was defeated in an opposition – inspired motion of no-confidence.

“I am pleased to announce that, after discussions with Chairman of the Elections Commission and with my Cabinet, the earliest possible date for the holding of General and Regional Elections will be on Monday, 2nd March 2020”, he said.

The Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) had said last week that it would be prepared to hold the elections by February next year, although the main Opposition People’s Progressive Party/Civic had been calling for the polls to be held much earlier.

Granger did not announce the dissolution of parliament. The opposition People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPPC), in an immediate reactuon, slammed the president for attempting to legitimize his administration. Noting that the he (Granger) gave no definitive date for elections, the PPP said only a signed proclamation declaring a definitive date for the polls would be credible.

The Guyanese Constitution at Article 106 (7) states, “Notwithstanding its defeat, the Government shall remain in office and shall hold an election within 3 months, or such longer period as the National Assembly shall by resolution supported by not less than two-thirds of the votes of all the elected members of the National Assembly determine, and shall resign after the President takes the oath of office following the election“.

“The extension of a period beyond 3 months for the holding of an election is related to the Elections Commission’s readiness to hold the elections. The Government of Guyana must, as a consequence, return to the National Assembly to request an extension. The National Assembly reconvenes on 10th October 2019,” Granger added in his address to the nation.

The PPP says a return to the National Assembly is wholly unnecessary for him to discharge his constitutional duty to proclaim a date for Elections and dissolve Parliament. That party also says it is not linked to a requirement for GECOM to be ready for Elections.