Guyana: Mohamed Responds to Norton’s Criticisms Amid Consultations

Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed has stated that recent criticisms from Aubrey Norton, leader of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR)-led A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), regarding his motivations for entering politics will not impede ongoing consultations related to the appointment of new election commissioners. Mr. Mohamed indicated that he plans to reach out to Mr. Norton and Amanza Walton-Desir, leader of the Forward Guyana Movement (FGM), to request their nominees for the election commission.

He mentioned, “I’m in the process right now of having meaningful consultations and then I’ll submit same to Ms. Claudette Singh, Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission.” According to Guyana’s constitution, the President is tasked with appointing three members based on the advice of the Opposition Leader after consultations with non-governmental political parties represented in the National Assembly.

Mr. Mohamed also confirmed that he would comply with Ms. Singh’s request by submitting his nominees and copying them to President Irfaan Ali. If successful, these nominees would replace the current pro-PNCR/APNU commissioners—Vincent Alexander, Charles Corbin, and Desmond Trotman—reflecting the new opposition representation following the September 2025 general and regional elections.

Despite the current commissioners’ refusal to resign without a court decision or constitutional amendment, Mr. Mohamed acknowledged that the situation may lead to legal proceedings. He stated, “Definitely, it sounds like a legal battle.” While he did not disclose his nominees, he assured that all three opposition parties would be represented on the seven-member election commission.

Prior to the 2025 elections, the APNU+Alliance For Change coalition held 31 seats as the main opposition party, but the recent elections resulted in APNU winning 12 seats, Mohamed’s We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) securing 16 seats, and FGM obtaining one seat. Although the commission has not convened for the past eight months, preparations for Local Government Elections (LGE) later this year are reportedly underway.

Mr. Mohamed refuted Mr. Norton’s claims that his entry into politics was motivated by a desire to avoid extradition to the US for alleged fraud-related charges. He emphasized that his decision to enter politics was influenced by public encouragement and occurred independently of any extradition considerations. He noted that he had received warnings from government officials regarding potential pressure against him if he did not withdraw from political pursuits.

In light of Mr. Norton’s criticisms, Mr. Mohamed encouraged him to focus on internal issues within the PNCR and reflect on the reasons behind disillusionment among party members. He expressed confidence in his ability to provide better representation than Mr. Norton, stating, “With the support of the WIN Movement, what I was able to do in one year Norton was unable to accomplish as Opposition Leader during his term.”

Source: demerarawaves.com