By Gary Girdhari
Guyana Journal, May 1998
The late President Cheddi Jagan, out of Government and in Government, has always called for a broad-based system of government so that 'winner does not take all”. For reasons best known to those with whom he dialogued on this issue, they have repeatedly declined-to speculate why would be futile. He then initiated the concept with the formation of the CIVIC, which was the first attempt to have a broad-based form of government; thus the birth of the PPP/CIVIC which has worked well. Those who had rejected his call are now singing a new tune called opportunism-and now one dares to speculate.
The smaller political parties recognize that the voters have spoken quite clearly in rejecting them. This does not mean that there are not many individuals in these parties who are good and capable. The good talents are not utilized; and this is a lamentable waste. But they cannot demand to be the leaders of the orchestra because the voters have spoken otherwise. Some are speaking up for power-sharing because they know that their political lives are doomed in history. Power-sharing is therefore the only hope for their political survival and visibility. Incidentally, power-sharing was never an issue before the elections or even just after.
During the night of December 15 1997, the People's National Congress knew the results of the election (or most of it) - they obtained the results through their polling agents who were present at the various polling stations. The People's Progressive Party similarly had polling agents. They were tallying the results (on chalk boards at Freedom House) as they were coming in from their polling agents. The PPP saw the outcome that night and therefore the PNC also knew the results! Of course, the results must be derived from the official source, namely, the Elections Commissions.
The post-election commotion and disruptions in Georgetown by the PNC was thus a poor and regrettable display of 'sour grapes' and bullyism. Now that all the official organizations that monitored the election have checked the elections as free and fair, the PNC has to save face. For most, the outcome of the Caricom Audit is written on the wall. The PNC is now being alienated and has found itself in a quagmire. Knowing full well in their heart the result of the December 15 elections, they figured that it is only a matter of weeks that the official results will be confirmed by the Audit. To keep itself afloat, the PNC has joined in the plea for power-sharing. Some have even called for an interim government! Don't blame the British and their local reactionaries.
The PNC and other underlings depend on violence, rigging of elections, disruptions of business and government work and other undemocratic methods to achieve their objectives. They have recognized that these too do not work. They know the futility of their ways. They also know that the world is watching them-our immediate neighbors and our Caricom governments. The recent hemispheric (Organization of American States, including the United States of America) meeting in Chile has also declared its intention to protect democracy; and they are keeping a close eye on developments in Guyana. The PNC realizes that their usual method will not be allowed to work. Thus they and others are opting for another expediency. They are deliberately creating a scenario of 'crisis' to launch their call for 'interim government' and 'power-sharing'.
The concept of power-sharing is good especially in countries like Guyana where some races, (or tribes) may perceive themselves as being “left out”. This concept is not easy to put into operation as some people so glibly feel. One has to define the true meaning of power-sharing. With whom is the 'power' shared? Would you share power with anyone? What are the legalities involved? What constitutional amendments? Should there be compromises with anyone without regard to the person's background and history? Does not the sinner have to repent first? And then be forgiven? Who is the sinner? What is the sin?
The PPP have been known to make compromises to obtain quick fixes and peace, and to bend backward to satisfy the other side. One would hope that any discussion on the subject of power-sharing will be given the most careful thought and scrutiny, with no rush to judgement and closure. Desmond Hoyte and his former boss Forbes Burnham, during their 28 years of riding high, had little regard for the constitution of Guyana. They made it, designed to suit their whims and desires. They shunned all the calls from Cheddi Jagan for a broad-based national front government. Instead, they arrogantly, stupidly ran the country without a rudder, sinking it into an economic morass. Compare just 5-6 years of good governance by the PPP/Civic.
What then can the PPP/Civic gain by joining hands with the PNC except regression into their style of mis-management, corruption and denial of democracy? There are many questions to be tackled. And that is why “Truth and Reconciliation” is a priori a pre-condition to healing which mutatis mutandis is the most genuine way of living together and sharing power.
Gary Girdhari is the Editor of GuyanaJournal
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