Dear Editor,
Now that the 13th Parliament of Guyana has convened and all Members of Parliament from both the Government and the Combined Opposition have taken their oaths, one would hope that the real work, the work of the people, would begin.
However, I cannot help but express deep concern about what is unfolding. For the first time in our nation’s history, we are witnessing a Parliament without a Leader of the Opposition. This is not only unusual, it is a break from parliamentary customs and traditions.
It has always been customary and traditional that at the first sitting of Parliament following a General and Regional Election, the Speaker of the House, the Deputy Speaker, and the Leader of the Opposition, whether representing a combined opposition or a single party, are all duly named and in place. This ensures that the Parliament begins its work with balance, representation, and accountability.
How then is it that the Deputy Speaker has already been named and assumed office, while no clear move has been made to appoint or elect the Leader of the Opposition? This delay not only breaks with long-standing practice but also undermines the democratic spirit and the confidence of the people in the parliamentary process.
The role of the Leader of the Opposition is not symbolic; it carries the responsibility of holding the government accountable, representing the voices of thousands, and ensuring fairness in national decision-making. When that role is left vacant, the people — especially those who supported the opposition – are left without representation or reassurance that their concerns will be heard.
Our Parliament belongs to all the people of Guyana, not just one side. I therefore urge that this unprecedented delay be addressed urgently so that our democracy can function as it was intended, with fairness, inclusion, and respect for tradition.