"House Speaker Barendra Sinanan will seek legal advice if he is approached to reinstate former UNC political leader Basdeo Panday as the Couva North MP." So says the Daily Express today.
In the same article, the Speaker clearly identifies:
"The Constitution says the seat is vacant," Sinanan said.
He also noted that the Constitution states that no by-election can occur during the fifth year of any session of the Parliament before the next general election.
Elections are due in less than 7 months, so since we are already in the fifth year as defined by the Constitution, no by-election can be held. Neither can Panday's seat be filled except by election, in this case a general election.
Now I am wondering why Barendra Sinanan would need legal advice for something as clearcut as this. Is this another opportunity for the PNM to pass some cheese to members before the coffers are transferred to another party post-election?? This is something we need to follow up.
