Dear Editor,
The Office of Leader of the Opposition in the Co-operative Republic of Guyana is a constitutionally recognised and significant position within our parliamentary democracy. It represents the leader chosen by the non-government members of the National Assembly, in accordance with established constitutional provisions, parliamentary conventions, and the outcome of a General Election.
By long-standing convention, following a General Election and prior to the first sitting of Parliament, the largest opposition parties with more than 50% of the seats on the opposition benches, formally notify the Clerk of the National Assembly, in writing, of their selected Leader of the Opposition. This notification enables the Speaker, once elected, to make the appropriate announcement to the House.
On this occasion, such notification does not appear to have been provided to the Clerk before the first sitting and this mistake was made by the WIN Party. As a result, when the Speaker was elected, he would not have been in a position to formally announce the Leader of the Opposition at that time.
In circumstances where no such advice has been received, established parliamentary practice suggests that the Speaker proceeds with the remaining initial business of the House, including the election of a Deputy Speaker, the swearing-in of Members of Parliament, and introductory remarks. Convention further provides that once the House is properly constituted, the Speaker should clarify from the Clerk, whether he has been advised of the identity of the Leader of the Opposition and, if not, the Speaker must suspend the National Assembly to immediately facilitate a process that allows the opposition members to regularise the matter, after which they return to the House on the same day to announce and certify who will serve in the role of the Leader of the Opposition.
The Speaker, Mr. Manzoor Nadir broke with the Westminster convention, resulting in a delay in resolving the issue of opposition leadership. This delay has had implications for the effective functioning of the National Assembly and for public confidence in parliamentary processes.
Reference to the Hansard of the First Sitting of the Eighth Parliament on 4 May 2001, under the Speakership of Mr. Hari Narayen Ramkarran, S.C., demonstrates how similar procedural matters were handled with clarity and professionalism (as reflected in the official parliamentary record). The National Assembly could not count on such professionalism in 2025 from the current Speaker, Mr. Manzoor Nadir.
In summary, two procedural opportunities appear to have been missed. First, the opposition parties could have convened prior to the first sitting to agree on a Leader of the Opposition and formally notify the Clerk of the National Assembly. Second, in the absence of such notification, the Speaker could have temporarily adjourned proceedings to allow opposition members to regularise the matter through an internal process and conclude the matter on the said day.
The absence of these corrective steps has contributed to a period of uncertainty that has adversely affected the business of the nation. It is important that all political actors, government and opposition alike, remain guided by constitutional principles, parliamentary conventions, and respect for democratic norms. History demonstrates that departures from these principles, regardless of which side initiates them, often carry long-term consequences. We all must remember what former President David Granger did to this country with the illegal and unilateral appointment of Mr. James Patterson to the Office of the Chairman of GECOM. We saw again, such illegality when President Irfaan Ali unilaterally appointed the Teaching Services Commission when the Constitution prohibits such a course of action.
It is therefore hopeful to see the United States; the principal custodian of our democracy, speaking on this matter. We as a people must grow up and allow the letter and the spirit of our constitutional and democratic traditions to flourish. With such maturity there is only one conclusion; economic bounty for all of our people and respect for our national internationally.