executive president Manning

"Political leader Patrick Manning has declared his intention should he win, to change the constitution of T&T, to become Executive President."

The idea behind the above statement has been waved in true Red Pill fashion all over the news and on the campaign trail. Kamla say she get a draft constitution sent to her in secret. Legal Affairs Minister Christine Kangaloo in turn, denies it.


Currently in Trinidad and Tobago, the following criteria must be met for a legal and binding constitutional amendment to take place.

1. A three-fourths majority is need in the House of Representatives. In an electorate consisting 41 seats, this translates roughly as 31 seats. This majority can be achieved by right, as in winning an outright number of seats in an election to have the majority, say PNM wins 31 seats. The majority can also be achieved by consensus; say PNM-20, UNC-11, COP-10, and the COP supports the amendment, thus a consensus is reached.

2. A two-thirds majority is then needed in the Senate. There are currently 31 Senators in a constitutionally set ratio of 15 Government; 6 Opposition; and 9 Independents(appointed solely by the President). Under a 2/3s majority, 21 Senators are needed to support the amendment, thus this majority has to be by consensus.

As it stands, no one knows if President Max Richards will support such an amendment if the PNM manages to secure both of these majorities.
His term ends on March 19th, 2008.
At that time, a new President will be appointed. It is here that the Prime Minister at the time can appoint someone who will carry out his 'wishes'. Opening the room for this new President to appoint 9 Independent Senators who may simply be selected to carry out the 'Executive President Amendment Agenda' (my term...I like how it soun!)
However, will the PNM secure 31 seats in the general election? What if they don't, which party will align themselves with the PNM on this issue in order to get the amendment passed?

The issue of Constitutional Reform and any change in the system of government is definately an issue that an entire nation needs to take notice of, and should be involved with. The government says that its proposal is still in the draft stages, a work in progress if you will. Rather than frighten people with dark scenarios, why is no political party calling for a nationwide referrendum on the issue? We are gearing up for an election are we not? If the voice and thoughts of the people is what matters, why not seek their opinion, at least, at this stage?

No. No opinion is sought.
Instead, it seems all parties involved would prefer to give our opinion to us.

make a choice, use yuh voice...