By Mark DaCosta- In a damning assessment of President Ali’s Wednesday address, the Alliance for Change (AFC) has articulated concerns regarding the absence of a cohesive vision essential for advancing democracy in our country. The AFC’s critique underscores a troubling trend in governance that threatens the fabric of inclusion and representation in the nation’s political landscape.
The AFC expressed their disappointment following what they termed a significant departure from established democratic norms during the ceremonial opening of Parliament. Traditionally, this event has been a cornerstone of our nation’s parliamentary democracy, where the President outlines priorities and a vision for governance in the presence of elected representatives. Instead, President Ali delivered his speech at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre on December 17, excluding key opposition figures and elected officials. This deliberate act has raised alarms about the erosion of democratic principles, with the AFC commenting that “this was a calculated decision to exclude the peoples’ elected representatives.”
Despite acknowledging that the speech contained elements that could potentially benefit our populace, the AFC contended that the fundamental notion of inclusivity was glaringly absent. They highlighted the lack of a vision to give meaningful effect to Article 13 of our Constitution, which champions the formation of an inclusive democracy. The absence of this critical component gave rise to further disappointment, leading to allegations that “there was simply no vision, but instead, promises and broken dreams.”
The implications of excluding opposition voices from such significant political discourse cannot be overlooked. The AFC has alleged that this lack of engagement signifies an intentional perpetuation of societal divisions, a sentiment further echoed in their assertion that the President chose to foster “the divisions, the cleavages, and the distrust that permeates our society.” This is particularly troubling in light of the political climate following the transformative September elections, which had offered an opportunity for healing and unity amidst a fractured electorate.
Moreover, concerns surrounding good governance and the rule of law were notably absent from the President’s address. The AFC pointed to the absence of crucial discussions regarding the management of our nation’s burgeoning oil wealth. Gas and oil have the potential to reshape the economic landscape of our country, yet there was no articulated plan detailing how this wealth would be distributed fairly among citizens. As the AFC ominously noted, “Christmas will be depressing for 95 percent of Guyanese,” highlighting the stark contrasts in the lived realities of ordinary citizens versus the privileged few.
The AFC’s allegations of increasing lawlessness and corruption further exacerbate dissatisfaction within the populace. The absence of a clear strategy to combat these pressing issues gives rise to fears that the very framework that supports governance is unraveling. Furthermore, the lack of provisions for the inclusion of Indigenous populations in national development initiatives continues to perpetuate systemic inequities — an issue that was conspicuously overlooked in the President’s address.
While engaging with representatives of the diplomatic community, the AFC lamented their apparent complicity in the pervasive status quo, positing that international observers failed to hold the administration accountable for its undemocratic behaviour. This perception of an inadequate response from traditional barometers of good governance has raised significant questions about the future of our political environment and the health of our democracy.
The AFC expressed a fragile hope for change, urging citizens to remain vigilant and engaged. They noted, “We are disappointed, and yet, still hopeful that we will see change that we, and all Guyanese, can embrace,” echoing a sentiment that resonates deeply amid a populace yearning for greater participation in governance and societal progress.
