Kamla favours Executive President elected by the people

Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar told reporters in Suriname her government is considering an executive presidency for Trinidad and Tobago as part of its overall constitutional reform.

She said legislation is soon to be drafted for fixed terms for prime ministers and fixed dates for the local and general elections. She promised these during the 2010 general election campaign.

With respect to the change in the presidency, she said she would want to hold discussions with the opposition before proceeding since such changes would require the support of the opposition.

The Prime Minister said her office is conducting research with respect to some specific promises the People’s Partnership made during the 2010 general election campaign, including two-term limits (for prime ministers), right of recall and fixed election dates.

“And that research work has now gone on to the office of the Attorney General for us to begin initial consultations,” Persad-Bissessar said.

Former prime minister Patrick Manning was pursuing a proposal for an executive presidency while he was in office.

“Mr Manning had proposed that a person be elected by Members of Parliament, which is really how the president is elected now. So you’d be using the same process but giving greater powers.

"We were of the view and I am of that view that should we go the route of an executive president that person should be elected one-man-one-vote. Let the nation decide,” Persad-Bissessar said.