PPP/C accuses PNC/R of attempting to subvert democracy
Guyana Chronicle
April 3, 2002
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THE People's Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) has said that the unwillingness of the main Opposition PNC/R to participate in the debate on this year's Budget, deprived not only their own supporters, but all the Guyanese people from having the benefit of a critical analysis of the Government's programmes and policies, which is the essence of democracy.

In a statement in which it accused the PNC/R (People's National Congress Reform) of consistently attempting to subvert democracy, the governing alliance said the annual budget debate presents an important opportunity for the Government, Opposition and people to discuss and debate policy.

The Government must also account in some detail for the resources it has and intends to expend, it said.

The PNC/R stayed out of the debate last week claiming it had a list of outstanding grouses with the Government.

"The people are entitled through their elected representatives to have their views, hopes and fears expressed in the highest forum," the PPP/C said, adding that between elections one of the best occasions, in a democratic country for the Opposition and people to hold the Government accountable, is the budget debate.

It said that the Government, which won a democratic mandate, must be allowed to rule and noted that Parliament is a method/process of holding the Government accountable, not subverting it.

Since the PNC/R lost power in the election of 1992, it has consistently attempted to subvert the democratic process in Guyana, the PPP/C charged.

It noted that all elections observers have agreed that every election since 1992 was free and fair, but said the PNCR has deliberately mobilised its supporters to disrupt.

It added that it expects the Government to discharge its responsibilities which the electorate mandated it to do; to maintain a peaceful environment; to implement its social and economic policies after full consultation; to have due regard to the views of the Opposition, and to create an inclusive system of governance.

The PPP/C said it has worked conscientiously within the process of dialogue and in all its discussions with the PNC/R. It said that while dialogue is not a substitute for parliamentary democracy, it has nonetheless consistently stated that dialogue has been useful in bringing peace, and providing a forum for discourse and action.

While admitting that disagreements are inevitable, the PPP/C feels that it is time for everyone involved to find some sensible means of solving them.