Dear Editor,
I write with reference to articles and letters in the press which suggest that Justice Claudette Singh (retired), Chair of GECOM, has refused to convene meetings of that organization until a new Leader of the Opposition (LOO) is appointed and his nominees sworn in.
Consequent to the Chair’s refusal, a debate has ensued concerning the correct interpretation of Article 161 of the Guyana Constitution. I will avoid the temptation of entering that debate. Instead, I will, without hesitation, condemn the Chair’s decision since Article 184 is clear that, notwithstanding the dissolution of parliament, the LOO remains in office until a new LOO is appointed. It is, therefore, premature for the Chair, an experienced jurist, to act on her own interpretation of Article 161.
The Chair’s decision continues a long line of biased decisions. I am once again forced to call for her immediate resignation. In addition to biased decisions, she has refused to implement (or push for) much needed reforms. The time has long passed for her to demit office.