Guyana: No Vacancy at GECOM for President to Act on Opposition Leader’s Request

President Irfaan Ali is unable to appoint three nominees for election commissioners proposed by Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed due to the absence of vacancies, as stated by a legal expert. The expert, who is sympathetic to the ruling People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPPC), explained that without a vacancy, the President cannot make appointments. The expert noted, “Once there is no vacancy, how can the President appoint? The President cannot unless somebody is dis-appointed; in other words a vacancy. Even if the President is inclined, the President cannot appoint, as far as we know.”

On June 30, Mr. Mohamed informed the President that he had “meaningfully consulted with the opposition political parties on the National Assembly” and recommended the appointment of lawyers Roysdale Forde, Siand Dhurjon, and Damien Da Silva. However, the legal expert indicated that the issue may need to be resolved through the court, especially considering the changes in the composition of the 65-seat National Assembly following the general and regional elections held on September 1, 2025.

Historically, since 1992, the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) and its coalition, along with the People’s Progressive Party Civic, have largely controlled the National Assembly, with their representation reflected as 3-3 on the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM). The recent elections have altered this dynamic, with the PNCR-led APNU being replaced by We Invest in Nationhood as the main opposition party, holding 16 seats, while the Forward Guyana Movement holds one seat.

Despite the changes, the PNCR/APNU election commissioners have not resigned, asserting that they can only be replaced if they resign, if a court rules otherwise, or if constitutional amendments are made. The legal reasoning provided by the ruling party’s expert aligns with the positions of PNCR commissioners Vincent Alexander, Charles Corbin, and Desmond Trotman, who are described as “lawfully appointed commissioners who have not tendered their resignation.”

In light of the situation, the expert suggested that “it’s only one way out of this: go out of the country.”

Source: demerarawaves.com