Dear Editor,
At the heart of Guyana’s present parliamentary impasse lies a simple, non-negotiable democratic principle: one person, one vote and respect for the will of the people. This principle is foundational to Guyana’s constitutional order and has long underpinned representative democracy in our country.
It was also central to the political legacy of Mr. Peter D’Aguiar and the United Force, a movement from which the current Speaker of the National Assembly, Mr. Manzoor Nadir, emerged—one that historically championed institutional balance, electoral integrity, and respect for democratic outcomes.
Against this backdrop, the continued inability of the National Assembly to sit and conduct its work raises serious concerns. Any posture that diminishes the practical effect of electoral outcomes, or that appears to privilege partisan considerations over parliamentary arithmetic, risks eroding public confidence in democratic governance and departs from the traditions of fairness and impartiality expected of the Office of the Speaker.
Former United States Ambassador to Guyana, Ms. Sarah Ann Lynch, articulated an important distinction that remains highly relevant today. She observed that “the difference between meddling and practicing good diplomacy is that the latter involves sticking to bedrock principles of human rights, good governance, and transparency and, whenever possible, underscoring the values that bind the country you represent to the country in which you serve.” These are not abstract ideals; they are practical guideposts for sustaining democratic institutions.
Ambassador Lynch further noted that “at its heart, democracy is the expression of our freedom to be represented. As such, each adult citizen must have one vote and each vote must have one value.” She also made clear that the United States Govern-ment is non-partisan with respect to Guyana’s electoral outcomes, emphasizing instead a shared commitment to improved governance, prosperity, and security.
What Mr. Manzoor Nadir is operating like a PPP stooge and is disrespecting the value of the voters who voted for other political parties than the party he campaigned with on the East Bank of Demerara. In this context, it bears repeating that Mr. Azruddin Mohamed received approximately 109,000 votes. In any functioning democracy, such a mandate carries weight. These votes are neither symbolic nor conditional; they translate into representation, voice, and legitimacy within the parliamentary system. When procedural deadlock effectively prevents that representation from being expressed, thousands of Guyanese are left without a meaningful parliamentary voice. This will lead to a dictatorship if not stopped forthwith.
The prolonged suspension of normal parliamentary activity is not a trivial matter. An inactive legislature means:
● No regular debate on national policy;
● No systematic scrutiny of ministerial actions;
● No effective oversight of public expenditure; and
● No formal mechanism through which citizens’ concerns are raised and examined.
Such paralysis weakens accountability and concentrates power in the hands of two men. History—both in Guyana and elsewhere—demonstrates that when parliamentary oversight is diminished, the risks of mismanagement and democratic backsliding increase. At a time when Guyana is entering an era of unprecedented oil and gas revenues, strong and active parliamentary oversight is more essential than ever.
The Speaker of the National Assembly occupies a uniquely important constitutional role. The office exists to safeguard fairness, procedure, and balance, not to advance the interests of any political party. The elections are over now Mr. Manzoor Nadir; you are no longer candidate Manzoor, you are the Speaker of the National Assembly of all of Guyana. Your prolonged inaction continues to benefit one side of the House, thereby undermining the perception—and the reality—of impartiality that the position demands. Mr. Peter D’Aguiar would be ashamed of your conduct.
This moment calls not for silence, but for principled engagement—both domestically and internationally. Democratic partners, especially the United States, who consistently advocate for good governance and institutional strength, should feel compelled to encourage the full and timely functioning of Guyana’s Parliament, consistent with the values they espouse. This is the time to withdraw the visa for Mr. Manzoor Nadir and his entire family and I encourage all US based Guyanese to write to their Congressman on this matter.
This issue transcends party rivalry. It goes to the core question of whether Guyana will be governed by democratic rules and accountable institutions, or by political bullyism and “big man politics” that the PPP is pushing. A Parliament that does not sit cannot fully represent the people; A Speaker who permits prolonged paralysis cannot credibly claim neutrality; and a democracy that tolerates such a condition places its future at risk
Raising these concerns is not an act of division. Rather, it is an affirmation of democratic responsibility—because silence, in moments such as these, carries consequences of its own. We appeal to the Government of the United States and President Donald Trump to help this Guyanese nation get back to what we won in 1992 with the help of the then President George Bush and with the support of the Carter Center.