A Legislature Missing in Action

Guyana’s Parliament—the central pillar of representative democracy—cannot continue to drift into irrelevance through prolonged inactivity and political neglect. At a time when the nation faces complex economic, social and governance challenges, the absence of regular sittings of the National Assembly raises serious concerns about accountability, transparency, and respect for constitutional order.

The legislature is the primary forum through which laws are debated, policies scrutinised, and the Executive held to account. When Parliament does not sit with reasonable frequency, governance suffers. Decisions are made without adequate oversight, public concerns are left unheard, and the delicate balance of power begins to tilt dangerously in favour of the executive.

It is deeply troubling that Guyana’s democracy—still relatively young and evolving—is showing visible signs of strain. The longer Parliament remains inactive, the more space is created for governance styles that resemble executive dominance rather than democratic accountability. Strong democracies are not built on silence in the legislature, but on robust debate, dissent, and scrutiny.

Responsibility for this state of affairs does not rest solely with the government. While the administration must be held accountable for ensuring that Parliament sits regularly and functions effectively, the parliamentary opposition cannot absolve itself of its constitutional duty. Opposition politics cannot be reduced to walkabouts, press conferences, and social media commentary. These may have their place, but they are not substitutes for legislative engagement.

The Opposition must recommit to its role inside the National Assembly—demanding sittings, tabling motions, questioning ministers, and engaging meaningfully in committees. It must also deepen its engagement with civil society, professional bodies, and ordinary citizens, bringing their concerns into the parliamentary chamber where they belong. Democracy is not performed on the streets or online alone; it is anchored in institutions.

If the Government appears politically immature or is perceived to be operating with heavy-handed, executive-driven tendencies, then the Opposition has an even greater responsibility to demonstrate that governance can and must be conducted differently—within the spirit, intent, and letter of the Constitution of Guyana.

The Speaker of the National Assembly also bears a critical responsibility. The office is not merely administrative; it is a guardian of parliamentary integrity. Ensuring that the Assembly meets regularly and functions in accordance with democratic norms is essential to preserving public confidence in the institution.

A Parliament that rarely sits is a Parliament that fails the people. Guyanese citizens deserve a legislature that is active, assertive, and responsive—not one that is sidelined while decisions of national importance unfold elsewhere.

Guyana stands at a crossroads. The promise of democratic governance must not be undermined by inaction or complacency. Both Government and Opposition must rise to the occasion—ensuring that Parliament is not treated as an inconvenience, but as the beating heart of the nation’s democracy.