By Mark DaCosta- In a recent statement, attorney-at-law Dr. Dexter Todd, Member of Parliament representing A Partnership for National Unity, raised serious concerns about the current political climate, emphasising the importance of constitutional governance and the responsibilities of public officials. His remarks came amid escalating tensions in Parliament, particularly following an incident in which Speaker of the National Assembly Manzoor Nadir made critical remarks toward the Ambassadors of the United States and Canada—comments widely viewed as reflecting a dangerous drift toward undemocratic practices.
Dr. Todd asserted that governance is fundamentally collaborative and requires strict respect for established laws to ensure harmony among the branches of authority. He expressed discontent over the Speaker’s actions, including what he described as an attack on foreign diplomats who were advocating adherence to the Guyanese Constitution. According to Todd, the diplomats were not expressing personal opinions but were underscoring the constitutional necessity of appointing a Leader of the Opposition. “A government does not function solely on the will of a President,” he emphasised, noting that the Office of the Leader of the Opposition is a vital constitutional institution essential to a functioning democracy.
The prolonged absence of a Leader of the Opposition has raised serious concerns about the ruling party’s commitment to democratic principles. Todd argued that the vacancy undermines parliamentary balance and leaves the country’s political landscape dangerously lopsided. “To leave that seat vacant is to leave our democracy unfinished,” he warned, adding that the Speaker’s apparent comfort with the situation was both alarming and indicative of broader disregard for democratic norms.
However, late last evening, Speaker Manzoor Nadir announced that the election of the Leader of the Opposition will be held on Monday, January 26, at 10:00 a.m., ahead of the reading of the 2026 National Budget scheduled for later that day. The announcement came after the We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) party staged a protest outside the Speaker’s residence, calling for immediate compliance with the Constitution.
Todd’s critique also extended to what he described as a growing pattern within the ruling People’s Progressive Party (PPP) of prioritising personal and political grievances over the national interest. He stressed that public officials must separate personal views from official duties, insisting that “the moment one speaks in an official capacity, personal feelings must be subservient to the Rule of Law.”
Addressing concerns about international involvement, Todd rejected claims of foreign interference, stating that calls by the international community for the appointment of a Leader of the Opposition were rooted in constitutional principle, not partisanship. “They are not taking sides; they are standing on the side of the supremacy of the Constitution,” he said.
As the situation unfolds, Todd predicted “interesting times” ahead for Parliament and urged citizens and elected officials alike to remain vigilant in defending democratic institutions. He cautioned that continued disregard for constitutional obligations risks eroding public trust and destabilising the nation’s democratic foundations.
