GEORGETOWN, Guyana (CMC) — President Donald Ramotar has warned opposition legislators he is prepared to exercise his constitutional options by either dissolving or proroguing Parliament if they intend to proceed with plans “to disrupt government’s business by forcing a debate on their no-confidence motion” on his administration.

In a television and radio broadcast on Tuesday night, Ramotar also pledged to hold long awaited Local Government elections in “the second quarter of next year, 2015”.

Local Government election was last held here in 1994 with the ruling People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPPC) winning the polls.

In his address, Ramotar said that Parliament will re-convene from its annual recess on Monday and that the Order Paper will reflect deliberations on “several important matters…not completed at the beginning of the recess as well as new matters.

“These matters will allow us, all our people, to build a better society and a more resilient economy,” he said, noting that some of the legislative agenda items include the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism Legislation, the telecommunications legislation as well as financial papers providing for expenditure of public funds for development projects.

Ramotar told citizens that they are all aware of the decision by the opposition to file a motion of no confidence in his administration and that if passed will result in a general election.

The opposition parties, A partnership for National Unity (APNU) and the Alliance for Change (AFC), control 33 of the 65 seats in the Parliament.

President Ramotar said that he had been advised that the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) will require six months to prepare for Local Government Elections under the new local Government electoral system.

“Pending further consultations with the Guyana Elections Commission on its preparations, I also now announce my intention to hold Local Government Elections in the Second Quarter of next year, 2015.”

President Ramotar said that he also wanted to make it clear that he would “respond immediately” to the plans by the opposition to disrupt government business “by forcing a debate on the motion of no confidence.

“I resolve to respond immediately by exercising my Constitutional options to either prorogue or dissolve parliament paving the way for holding of general elections.

“Guyana deserves better than political games that serve to only benefit a select few while damaging the welfare of the people of Guyana,” Ramotar said, adding that his administration “remains committed to forging partnership and taking appropriate actions in the interest of the stability, unity and prosperity of our dear country.”

“The future of Guyana is bright, but all of our progress will be lost without a combined effort to move our country forward,” he added.