Latest update April 18th, 2024 12:59 AM
Dec 03, 2009 Features / Columnists, Peeping Tom
Obsequiousness has always been a vital weapon in the armory of those who surround Presidents, Prime Ministers and Kings. Even Caesar fell victim to political flattery, convinced that through him Great Rome would such reviving blood.
Even when the ships of State are sinking, there is always the honey-tongued and glib group of followers who would sing of the greatness of the Sovereign. The Regent is swooned with nice words, made to feel that what he is doing is right; that he is indispensible and irreplaceable, that opposition to his policies is merely the handiwork of detractors and those who have ambitions to the Throne or axes to grind.
The campaign for the Third Term (hereinafter referred to as TT) is being undertaken by a powerful business grouping whose members have done well under the administration of the Jagdeo administration.
As a sign of their gratitude and loyalty to their leader, the group is promoting a TT for the incumbent so as to make him feel that he is the best thing that has ever happened to Guyana.
A TT is however a non- starter. A constitutional hurdle stands in its way. In order to have a TT the Constitution of Guyana needs to be amended by a two-thirds majority, something that the ruling party does not have within the National Assembly.
So it matters not how the Central and Executive committees of the ruling party votes; the support of the opposition is necessary and this support will not be forthcoming.
The opposition is not going to support any amendment to the Constitution to facilitate a TT since it would be committing political suicide. Thus the only other way around the constitutional hurdle would be via a referendum.
Referenda are the highest forms of democratic expressions. Thus, it would be within the high traditions of democracy if the question of a TT were put to the people directly.
Recently in St. Vincent and the Grenadines this was done in relation to certain constitutional issues and the government suffered a defeat on key elements.
The ruling party could decide to therefore place the question of a TT to a referendum. The people could be asked directly whether they support a constitutional amendment to allow for a TT. This is the only option open to those who are plugging.
But it is a huge gamble because if the people of Guyana reject the amendment of the constitution for a TT, then this has implications for the approval rating of the government.
The supporters of the TT are not going to go down the road of a referendum because they fear the implications of what a negative vote can mean for the 2011 elections and the bruising that such a vote would inflict on the image of the Presidency that they have taken so much care to cultivate.
The PPP is also not likely to sit down and take lightly any maneuvers for a TT. There are persons within the PPP who are obsessed with becoming President. They see the possibility personal glory, which they never thought, would come in their lifetime. So there is going to be resistance from within the ruling party to any moves to foist a TT on the Guyanese people.
President Jagdeo to his credit is immensely popular. The PPP knows this. He has a good relationship with the people despite his record. His skills at tapping into the concerns of the people have allowed him to enjoy a decent approval rating.
But even this and all the resources that can be made available by those who are promoting a TT will not be enough.
The true test for those behind the TT will come. The time will emerge very soon when those behind the billboards and the flyers and the buttons will have to take sides.
They will have to choose whether to remain behind their leader or support whomever the party chooses to be the PPP’s presidential candidate.
That moment of truth will come. The allegiances will be tested and choices will have to be paid. The history of this country is instructive as to how those choices can be made.
For now, the Guyanese people will have to live with this constant distraction of a TT debate. It will not go away. It will stay because it is one way in which those who have benefitted immensely from the policies of the present administration can show faith with their leader.
In the final analysis, the decision about a TT rests not with any small group but with the people. So let the people decide!
JAGDEO ADDING MORE DANGER TO GUYANA AND THE REGION
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