Court Action Urged Over Constitutional Breach, Opposition Leader Standoff

Dear Editor,

Guyana’s general elections were held on September 1, 2025, and the results were officially known on September 7.  Since that date, over 3 months ago, the member of parliament chosen by constitutional process to be Leader of the Opposition has not been recognised or empowered by arrangements necessary to administer to him the oath of office in Article 432 of the constitution.

This is just one example of the many constitutional lapses imposed by one party on Guyanese in general and on the entire nation, including the ruling party. It is known that action against the designated leader of the opposition has been taken by a foreign government acting within its perceived rights. This action is no excuse and cannot be an excuse for depriving Guyanese of their entitlement to participate in government.

I write this letter to let it be known that have begun to consult a constitutional lawyer about an approach to the high Court as an applicant for a constitutional declaration regarding Guyana’s status as a parliamentary democracy.

Acting on the advice I received, I shall be prepared to approach the High Court for an appropriate constitutional declaration with a request for a road map and order from the court to constitutional office holders who must take steps towards a remedy.

This is only one of the constitutional violations awaiting remedy.

I have failed to mention so far that under the Representation of the People Act 1:03 there should have been by now a report by the Chief Elections Officer (CEO) on the conduct of the most recent elections. The sitting official launching the election, the CEO, was long disposed of and I have heard of no report of the preparation of the elections report as required by law. I may add that in the party in which I recently served, the WPA, the printed reports of the CEO from general election to general election were an essential source of official information. 

I must explain briefly why the taking of this action to the High Court has occurred to me at my age. 

It is my view that in the face of allegations of corrupt dealings affecting the health of the state, Guyanese should be foremost in seeking to restore accountability and the constitutional order.  

Yours truly,
Eusi Kwayana