AFC backs Opposition Leader election, urges openness and media freedom

The Alliance For Change (AFC), which served in the National Assembly from 2006 to 2025, has welcomed the holding of the long-delayed election of the Leader of the Opposition, while raising concerns about restrictions placed on media coverage of the process.

In a statement, the AFC said it “openly welcomes the holding of the long-delayed election for the leader of the constitutionally elected Opposition,” and extended well wishes to Azruddin Mohamed, who was elected to the post. “We wish Mr. Mohamed and the opposition well as they represent first and foremost the interest of the Guyanese people,” the party said.

Mohamed was elected on Monday, January 26, after months of protest and agitation by opposition supporters and civil society groups calling on Speaker of the National Assembly Manzoor Nadir to act in accordance with Article 184(1) of the Constitution. That article provides for non-government members of the National Assembly to elect the Leader of the Opposition.

The AFC said the holding of the election underscored the importance of adherence to constitutional provisions. “Respecting our constitution is directly showing respect to the Guyanese people, and the rule of law,” the party stated.

However, the AFC also raised concerns about what it described as the practice of barring or attacking members of the media from witnessing and televising the election of the Opposition Leader. Clerk of the National Assembly Sherlock Isaacs said that only the state‑owned National Communications Network (NCN) would be permitted inside the Chamber to cover the Opposition Leader election, with the official feed to be provided to other media outlets.

According to the party, this ran counter to democratic norms and public accountability. “This goes against the practice of good governance, transparency, and balance towards the Guyanese people,” the statement said.

Emphasising the role of the press in a democratic society, the AFC said the media, as the Fourth Estate, “plays a critical role in safeguarding democracy, ensuring accountability, and keeping the Guyanese people informed,” and therefore “must be allowed to operate freely and without intimidation.”

The AFC’s comments come amid heightened public scrutiny of parliamentary procedures, media access, and the role of constitutional offices in upholding democratic governance.