By Mark DaCosta- In a stirring op-ed Sunday, prominent trade unionist Lincoln Lewis has raised serious concerns regarding the prospect of a single political party dominating Guyana’s National Assembly. He warns that such an outcome threatens to undermine the democratic rights and freedoms that have been fought for over decades. Lewis argues that any possibility of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) acquiring a two-thirds majority in parliament would not only disrupt the delicate balance of power but could also lead to a political monopoly that spells disaster for all the nation’s citizens.
Lincoln Lewis, a figure known for his longstanding advocacy for workers’ rights and democracy in our country, articulates a dire warning: the consolidation of power in the hands of one party poses a grave risk to the very foundation of democracy. A political monopoly occurs when a single party wields uncontested power, effectively silencing dissent and marginalising opposition voices. Such dominance can lead to authoritarianism, where the ruling party can change laws and override democratic processes without the input or consent of the populace.
Recent political developments in our nation raise significant concerns about the electoral system and its integrity. Reports indicate serious anomalies in the voters’ list, coupled with a lack of biometric measures to ensure fair elections. Lewis suggests that these irregularities are not mere accidents but rather deliberate strategies employed by the current Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) administration, perceived by many as being under the tight control of the PPP. This has occurred in the shadow of an international community prioritising its economic interests over the rights of the Guyanese people.
The prospect of the PPP securing a two-thirds majority in the upcoming elections should be viewed as a critical moment for our national democracy. Lewis, who is also General Secretary of the Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC), warns that such a victory would grant the PPP the unchecked power to unilaterally alter the Constitution of Guyana. This would obliterate the essential system of checks and balances that protects citizens from governmental overreach, marking a decisive shift towards authoritarian rule. Instead of governance by the consent of the governed, our nation could be ruled by a minority’s force of the Pradoville people, leaving the voices of others silenced and sidelined.
Furthermore, the ramifications of such political dominion would be catastrophic, particularly for working individuals and community groups. Civil society already bears the brunt of a government that has shown little regard for freedom of expression, evidenced by the increasing fear of open dissent and the weaponisation of legislation, such as the Cybercrime Act. Reports from reputable institutions including Transparency International highlight rampant corruption, while the World Bank continues to illustrate entrenched poverty within our borders. If fears of escalating political repression under a two-thirds majority are realised, it could render the rights of the average citizen mere formalities beneath a legislative dictatorship.
Critics assert that the Irfaan Ali administration, even with a one seat parliamentary majority, has managed to inflict substantial damage upon the democratic framework of our country. Observers warn that if granted a two-thirds majority, the administration would gain a ‘blank cheque’ to institutionalise exclusion and oppression within legal frameworks. This would usher in a new phase of governance wherein constitutional amendments serve only to extend the political life of leaders and bolster their hold over power without accountability or public input.
Analysts suggest that the principles of inclusive democracy hinge upon collaboration between the ruling government and opposition parties, as well as through the engagement of civil society. The historical struggle for universal adult suffrage, which began more than half a century ago, was premised on the vision of a nation where political power is shared, not hoarded. As Lewis poignantly reminds citizens, the workers’ fight for the right to vote has its roots in the hopes for a society where every voice counts, regardless of ethnicity, economic status, or political affiliation.
With the elections drawing near, patriotic voices across our nation implore voters to carefully consider their decisions. The message, underscored by Lewis, is clear: ensure that no single party emerges with an overwhelming two-thirds majority. The future of our nation, the rights of everyday citizens, and the very essence of freedom are at stake. As Guyanese prepare to cast our votes, Lewis urges every voter to remain vigilant and committed to choosing a path that safeguards Guyana’s democracy and grants every citizen the dignity and respect they deserve.
This pivotal moment calls for awareness and action; it is imperative that Guyanese do not inadvertently enable a march towards constitutional reform that reinforces a new regime of dominance. Lewis ended by reminding citizens ‘power lies with the people and they should use it wisely, for the stakes have never been higher.’
