President Jagan's resignations signals end of era --says National Democratic Movement Guyana Chronicle August 10, 1999 THE National Democratic Movement (NDM) yesterday said President Janet Jagan's resignation signals the end of an era, but the appointment of Finance Minister Bharrat Jagdeo to the post "smacks at dynastic rule". The Party, in a statement, added that the elevation of Finance Minister Bharrat Jagdeo to Head of State is "a blatant attempt at Constitutional engineering". "This is not good in the best interest of our country, and smacks at dynastic rule," NDM wrote. Nevertheless, the party acknowledged that Mrs Jagan is a "truly heroic woman", who fought for the ordinary Guyanese when politics was the sole preserve of the ruling class. According to the release, her resignation signals the end of an era that was ushered in with the introduction of mass based politics in 1953, and now culminates with the rebirth of democracy. "Her example and courage in her struggle, first against colonialism, and later, against the dictatorship, is truly inspiring. "Of all the presidential aspirants in the 1997 national elections, no one was truly her match, no one was better qualified to lead the nation. She earned her place," the NDM stated. It added that Mrs Jagan's astuteness and conciliation towards her opponents defined her tenure and her commitment to the nation can never be questioned. In its submission to the Constitutional Reform Commission, the party called for the direct vote of the citizens in a separate Presidential elections, with the winner securing 51 per cent. The NDM said this would guarantee a President for the people, elected by the people, "instead of the party brokered imposition". It is urging the Select Committee to address the issue urgently, since it was overlooked in the Constitutional Reform Proposals that were submitted to Parliament. "The nation cannot afford a political neophyte being thrust upon us. Prime Minister Samuel Hinds should be allowed to perform duties as President until a new election is called," the NDM opined. A © page from: Guyana: Land of Six Peoples