President Ifraan Ali has been talking up about his government’s first year in office and all its achievements and he is making it clear that he would not consult with Opposition Leader Joseph Harmon on the appointment of the Chancellor and Chief Justice which is mandated by law unless Harmon recognizes his government. Ali made the comment during a press conference on Monday.
Harmon in his statement to the press said he is willing to meet the president as soon as today. He reminded President Ali that his presidential insecurities cannot be resolved by him.
Harmon said, “I wish to categorically state, once again, that I am ready, willing and able to engage in consultations on this matter at the earliest opportunity. I am prepared to meet with President Ali for consultation this week, as early as tomorrow, if he is so inclined. However, President Ali’s imposition of unrealistic, unnecessary and outrageous extra-constitutional conditionality is clearly an attempt to further stall the appointment of a substantive Chancellor and Chief Justice”. Further, he reminded that it was the People’s Progressive Party, in government and in opposition, which has engaged in political intransigence that has caused Guyana to be without a substantive Chancellor and Chief Justice for decades. The PPP simply does not want substantive appointments to be made to these two top judicial positions. The PPP wishes to hold non-confirmation as the sword of Damocles over the heads of’ those appointed to act.
