Gov’t Undermining Democracy Through Budget Abuse and Electoral Law Changes- MP Ferguson

Member of Parliament (MP) Annette Ferguson has strongly criticised the government’s recent requests in the National Assembly, calling attention to a $57.492 billion supplementary budget and a controversial amendment to the Representation of the People Act (ROPA). In a letter to the editor, Ferguson raised concerns over transparency and the potential for political manipulation, urging the public to remain vigilant as the National Assembly convenes for further debates on May 23, 2025.

Government’s Supplementary Budget Raises Red Flags

On Friday, May 16, 2025, the National Assembly met to discuss key items, including the first Financial Paper of the year, which requests an additional $57.492 billion in funding. This supplementary request comes just three months after the approval of the 2025 national budget, totaling $1.138 trillion.

Ferguson, a member of the opposition, A Partnership for National Unity (APNU),  highlighted that the government’s request is notably high, with $46.475 billion—approximately 75% of the supplementary funds—allocated to the Ministry of Housing alone. This, she argued, raises questions about the allocation of national resources and the government’s fiscal responsibility.

“The absence of detailed explanations in the Financial Paper is deeply concerning. It is yet another example of the government’s lack of transparency regarding public spending,” Ferguson stated in her letter. She also criticised the Speaker of the National Assembly, Mr. Manzoor Nadir, for reportedly blocking opposition members’ attempts to scrutinise the government’s use of the $1.138 trillion approved earlier this year.

“The Speaker routinely blocks questions related to the already approved $1.138 trillion, preventing the Opposition from examining how taxpayers’ money was spent between February and April 2025.” The parliamentarian contends, the Speaker’s attitude is not only a demonstration of political bias but it prevents the Opposition from engaging in “full scrutiny of both the approved and supplementary sums.”

The National Assembly has been accused of operating irregularly, with meetings scheduled primarily when the government seeks to fast-track legislation or access additional funds without allowing adequate scrutiny.

Ferguson, other opposition members and sections of civil society have repeatedly expressed concern that the Parliament-the nation’s highest decision-making forum-being manipulated and undermined from providing democratic oversight. One commentator noted that in this oil-rich economy and a government with a track record of corruption any attempt at blocking oversight is bad for the country and citizens.

Controversial Amendment to Electoral Law

In addition to the financial discussions, the National Assembly is also set to debate an amendment to the Representation of the People Act (ROPA), which would alter Section 33C(1) of the Principal Act. Specifically, the government proposes replacing the word “shall” with “may,” granting the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) discretion rather than a mandate to revise the Official List of Electors (OLE) if an interval of three to six months passes between the qualifying date and the next election.

The identified article expressly states: “Where there is an interval of more than three months, but not exceeding six months, after the qualifying date with reference to which the official list of electors, or the non-resident electors roll is prepared under section 33A(1) and the day appointed for the next election after that date, the Commissioner shall cause the official list of electors and non-resident electors roll to be revised, in accordance with procedure established by the Commission by regulation.”

Ferguson raised alarm about the potential consequences of such an amendment, arguing that it could open the door to political manipulation in the electoral process. “By changing ‘shall‘ to ‘may,’ the government is effectively giving itself the power to decide whether or not to revise the voter list,” Ferguson explained. “This is a blatant attempt to undermine the integrity of the electoral process and could disenfranchise eligible voters.” A similar concern was expressed by Opposition parliamentarian, Tabitha Sarbo-Halley

The proposed amendment to the law comes at a time when society has been actively calling for electoral reforms—such as a clean voters’ list and the introduction of biometric voting—to ensure free, fair, and credible elections. Ferguson has accused both the government and the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) of ignoring these demands, instead choosing to manipulate the system to their advantage.

There is growing concern that the amendment to the Representation of the People Act (ROPA) will not strengthen GECOM’s ability to deliver credible elections. Instead, critics argue it may empower GECOM and the People’s Progressive Party (PPP)-nominated commissioners—under the leadership of Chairperson Justice Claudette Singh, who has consistently sided with the government—to engage in practices that could undermine the public’s push for electoral integrity.

 “The government and GECOM’s refusal to take action on electoral reforms speaks volumes,” Ferguson said. “They are choosing to maintain a broken system rather than embracing the reforms necessary to protect the democratic process.”

A Call for Action and Accountability

Ferguson’s letter concluded with a call for all Guyanese citizens to stand firm in protecting the nation’s democracy. “The decisions we make on Election Day must go beyond our personal interests; they must safeguard our democracy for future generations.”

The upcoming debates in the National Assembly on May 23, 2025, are expected to be heated, with both opposition and government members preparing to make their case. Ferguson has urged the public to stay informed and engaged, stressing that the stakes for Guyana’s future are high.

In conversation with this publication Ferguson is stating that “As a nation, we must ensure that our electoral laws remain fair and impartial. We must not allow any party to hijack our democratic processes for political gain.”

The proposed changes to the Financial Paper and the Representation of the People Act will be among the most pressing issues discussed in the coming days, and all eyes will be on the National Assembly as these important matters unfold.