Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo is contending that President David Granger is interpreting the Constitution based on the old Article in the old Constitution of 1980 and not the amended version, as it relates to the selection of a Chairperson of the Guyana Elections Commission (Gecom).
Jagdeo contrary to what was said by President Granger believes that he (President Granger) is playing politics since he chose to address the matter on a Sunday at a media brunch, allowing the public to garner an incorrect interpretation regarding the Constitution. This, Jagdeo said was done with knowledge that he would not be able to respond since the position was not corresponded immediately.
He told media operatives that when he was able to respond the citizenry would have already accepted most of what was said by the President as truth.
He noted too that the President continues to take flawed advice from the Attorney General, hence his request for an urgent meeting with the Head of State in anticipation that he would get a better understanding of Article 161 (2) of the Constitution.
Jagdeo alluded to the fact that former late President, Desmond Hoyte who was a senior counsel had submitted four lists in 1994, 1997, 2001 and 2002 with several persons who were not judges or did not have the qualifications to be judges.
Legal alternative would be sought once the outcome of the meeting is not fruitful says Jagdeo. He is maintaining that the six persons he has selected are duly qualified for the Gecom Chairmanship.
Only yesterday (Wednesday January 11, 2017) President Granger was quoted in the media as saying he is not playing politics with the selection of the Gecom Chairman, however his contention is that the Constitution must be upheld and correctly too.
