By Mark DaCosta- Members of the We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) party, accompanied by their supporters, gathered in front of Parliament this morning, November 24, to demand immediate action from Speaker Manzoor Nadir regarding the election of the Leader of the Opposition. The 13th Parliament was officially opened three weeks ago; however, no meeting has been convened for Opposition members to elect their leader, which the party is arguing is a blatant disregard for the democratic process. Amidst escalating tensions, they have voiced their frustration at the lack of communication and transparency from the Speaker’s office.
The WIN party has expressed deep discontent over what they perceive as deliberate obstruction by the current administration, which, according to them, is undermining the principles of democracy in our nation. Their calls for action come on the heels of formal communication to the Speaker, as well as a stern warning of potential legal repercussions if the matter is not addressed promptly. The delay has raised more profound concerns, particularly since the WIN party holds the largest number of Opposition seats in the National Assembly, and their leader, Azruddin Mohamed, is poised to assume the formal role of Leader of the Opposition.
The situation has created an air of frustration among WIN supporters. During the protest, Odessa Primus, MP and General Secretary of the WIN party, highlighted the absence of any information regarding the reconvening of Parliament or other associated processes. According to Primus, historical precedents illustrate that the election of the Leader of the Opposition typically occurs with swiftness unless hindered by unforeseen circumstances. The prevailing sentiment, however, is that the ruling party is engaging in a form of victimisation that stifles the opposition’s rightful functioning. She expressed that the WIN party’s current experience feels akin to living in a dictatorial state where the government’s doings go unchallenged.
Primus also emphasised the critical importance of the Leader of the Opposition’s election, labelling it an integral component of our nation’s democratic fabric. She lamented over the past declarations of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) regarding its commitment to democratic ideals, expressing dismay that they now stand accused of hindering the very processes they once championed. In calling on all citizens, regardless of their political affiliations, to rally in defence of democracy, she insisted the issue transcends party lines and speaks to the broader health of the nation’s political environment.
The legal team representing the WIN party, led by Attorney Siand Dhurjon, has indicated that they are preparing to challenge the Speaker’s inaction through court proceedings. Dhurjon firmly stated that Nadir has a constitutional obligation to facilitate the election process, which ought to take place urgently among Non-Government members. He reinforced that it is imperative for this election to occur outside the formal sittings of Parliament, necessitating a dedicated meeting of Opposition members.
Adding to the chorus of discontent, the Alliance for Change and A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) — the second-largest opposition group — has similarly pressed for timely action on the issue, categorically noting the importance of filling the Leader of the Opposition position, which is constitutionally mandated. Historical context arrived in the form of reminders about the swift elections of past opposition leaders, citing the elections of David Granger in 2011, Bharrat Jagdeo in 2015, and Joseph Harmon in 2020. These instances underscore the current delay as not only unprecedented but an alarming departure from established democratic norms.
In a twist of fate, Azruddin Mohamed’s ascension as Leader of the Opposition has been shadowed by controversy. His leadership comes after a difficult campaign during which sanctions were imposed on him and his father by the United States over allegations of public corruption linked to substantial duty tax avoidance. Complicating matters further, the recent extradition request from the U.S. for Mohamed, over charges related to fraud and gold smuggling, adds a layer of complexity to his tenure. This creates a precarious political landscape, further aggravated by international warnings regarding the potential dire implications of his leadership for our country’s foreign relations.
The protest outside Parliament today signals a crucial moment in our nation’s political discourse. The frustrations aired by the WIN party and their supporters are a reflection of deeper concerns about the state of democracy, transparency, and accountability in the governance of Guyana.
