The We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) party is actively seeking the prompt election of a Leader of the Opposition, believing that the Speaker of the National Assembly, Manzoor Nadir, is stalling the process to favor the governing People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C). The party has reached out to several regional and international bodies, including the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), to raise concerns regarding this perceived obstruction.
As of December 3, one month since the first sitting of the 13th Parliament, no meeting of the Members of the Parliamentary Opposition has been convened by the Speaker to elect the Opposition Leader. At a press conference, Member of Parliament, Tabitha Sarabo-Halley, criticized this inaction, stating, “The continued refusal of the Speaker to fulfill this obligation undermines the integrity of parliamentary democracy.”
Despite the silence from the Speaker, the Clerk of the National Assembly, Sherlock Isaacs, acknowledged that the Speaker had received multiple correspondences from WIN regarding the matter. Sarabo-Halley emphasized the party’s demand for full adherence to constitutional requirements, warning that they may pursue legal remedies if necessary.
With 16 seats in the National Assembly, WIN has established itself as the main opposition party, poised to have its leader, Azruddin Mohamed, become the next Opposition Leader, although his pending legal issues in Florida concerning money laundering and tax evasion linger.
Stalled Election for Region 10 Leadership
In addition to the national leadership issues, WIN is facing challenges at the regional level as well. The election for the Region 10 Regional Chairman and Vice Chairman has been stalled for over two months. WIN’s candidate, Mark Goring, and APNU candidate Dominique Blair tied during the election held on October 10, yet there has been no action from Region 10 Clerk of Council, Dwight John, to reconvene the meeting to resolve the tie.
WIN suspects that this delay is politically motivated, attributing it to Minister of Local Government, Priya Manickchand, despite her claims of non-involvement. Sarabo-Halley stated, “For more than a month, the Regional Executive Officer, who reports directly to the Minister, has refused to reconvene the statutory meeting. This is not a minor procedural delay. It obstructs the lawful functioning of the Regional Democratic Council.”
She accused the Minister of hypocrisy, arguing that she possesses the authority to resolve the situation but has chosen not to act, which signals political interference. “The people of Region 10 deserve better,” she added.
Sarabo-Halley concluded by expressing that the current lack of leadership in Region 10 is detrimental to governance and that the Minister’s deliberate inaction creates a constitutional vacuum that undermines the electorate’s clear choice.
