The We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) party has expressed its support for diplomatic calls from representatives of the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and the European Union, urging that elections for the Leader of the Opposition in Guyana be conducted without further delay.
Since the inauguration of the 13th Parliament in early November, following last September’s elections, Speaker of the National Assembly Manzoor Nadir has refrained from convening a meeting of Opposition Members to facilitate the election. No official reason has been provided for this inaction.
British High Commissioner to Guyana, Jane Miller, emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating that an election for the Leader of the Opposition is crucial for enabling parliamentarians to fulfill their constitutional responsibilities to the people of Guyana.
U.S. Ambassador Nicole Theriot and Canadian High Commissioner Sebastian Sigouin also echoed these sentiments, asserting that a functional parliament is vital for Guyana’s ongoing development. EU Ambassador Luca Pierantoni remarked that he would be surprised if the matter is not addressed during the upcoming parliamentary session in the weeks ahead.
In response to these diplomatic appeals, WIN, which holds a majority in the Opposition within the National Assembly, affirmed its alignment with the diplomats’ views. The party argues that the government is sidestepping legitimate oversight, seeking to utilize state resources without necessary checks and balances.
Azruddin Mohamed, the leader of WIN and a businessman currently embroiled in legal issues, is positioned to assume the role of Leader of the Opposition given his party’s anticipated majority when elections are finally held. Mohamed faces an extradition request from the United States alongside his father, stemming from multiple charges related to gold exportation, including mail and wire fraud, money laundering, and tax evasion.
The recognition of the Leader of the Opposition is constitutionally mandated, with the President required to consult this leader on several significant appointments. The ongoing delay in this election raises questions about the effectiveness of the parliamentary process in Guyana.
