Look, if local government and the value of citizens' votes are so important, so valuable, why not insert a fixed date in the Constitution for holding local government elections?

This should have been one of the fundamentals in local government reform. If left as is, we may be in for more political squabbles and even courthouse problems next time around. Similarly, also fix a definite date for our general elections in the Constitution.

The discretionary space triggers too much unnecessary suspicions, political unrest and the politics of uncertainty. The excesses of democracy must sometimes be tamed. We should no longer have the election date walking around in somebody's 'back pocket.' (States of emergency have special provisions). Calling an 'early election' like two years after general election may suit a person or party but not the country. Remove the political uncertainty, fears and mistrust and instead give the society the trust and confidence in the political system as required for a healthy democracy. It is a win-win change for all parties and country too.

We are in a quarrelsome state because of no specific date for local government elections. Last week saw the 'election date' battle. Opposition Leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar loudly declared in San Fernando: 'You have run so far, you will continue to run for 90 days, but you cannot hide. The electorate will be there waiting to vote you out.'

Three days after, PM Dr Rowley in San Fernando too, loudly rebuked her election date call while pelting some serious corruption allegations against the UNC.

Last week too, Dr Rowley, on AG Reginald Armour's advice, duly promised to call local government elections 'within three months from May 18, 2023.' Why no specific date, even during the 'validation' debates?

The society is now too over-heated with a 'war' between legality, legitimacy and public opinion. Like an over-heated vehicle, it needs cooling down. It needs political certainty, not surprises.

The Constitution liberally states: 'The President, acting in accordance with the advice of the Prime Minister, may at any time prorogue or dissolve Parliament.' (Section 68(1)) At 'any time?' We need a debate over this.

The Constitution further states: 'A general election of members of the House of Representatives shall be held at such time within three months after every dissolution of Parliament as the President, acting in accordance with the advice of the Prime Minister, shall appoint.' (Section 69(1) No specific date here.

This democratic society will be better served if all parties, citizens and Elections and Boundaries Commission can be predictably and properly prepared with constitutionally-fixed dates for elections. Which party wins is up to the electorate. Political uncertainty creates unnecessary fear and suspicions. There is already too much uncertainty in economics, crime, education and our mode of parliamentary democracy.

The election date and councillors' extension was one controversial matter. But the manner in which the executive sough