Guyana: Norton Rejects Mohamed’s Proposed Gecom Appointments

A dispute has arisen over the composition of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) between Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed and A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) Chairman Aubrey Norton regarding proposed changes to commissioners. The conflict began when Mohamed sent a letter to Norton on June 10, 2026, arguing that the current opposition-nominated GECOM Commissioners—Charles Corbin, Desmond Trotman, and Vincent Alexander—should be replaced to better reflect the current parliamentary opposition configuration.

Mohamed stated that the changes are necessary to ensure meaningful representation and public confidence in the electoral process, given the shifts in the legislative balance of power since the commissioners were appointed. He indicated that he plans to advise President Irfaan Ali to appoint three new opposition-nominated commissioners, suggesting a preliminary list of nominees that includes Senior Counsel Roysdale Forde and attorneys-at-law Siand Dhurjon and Damien Da Silva. Mohamed invited APNU and other opposition stakeholders to propose alternative nominees by June 19, 2026, and suggested a collaborative assembly to finalize the list.

In response, Norton has rejected Mohamed’s proposal, labeling it as fundamentally flawed. He argued that there are no legal vacancies within GECOM and that the Constitution of Guyana does not allow for the automatic removal of commissioners due to changes in opposition leadership. Norton emphasized that the relevant constitutional articles pertain to initial appointments, not the removal of sitting commissioners. He pointed out that the 2001 constitutional amendments removed the clause that required commissioners to vacate their posts after elections, establishing GECOM as a permanent body.

Norton warned that accepting Mohamed’s interpretation could lead to instability within GECOM, as it would allow for the removal of commissioners with each change in opposition leadership. He concluded by stating that any discussions about altering the tenure or selection of commissioners should be addressed by the Constitutional Reform Commission, rather than through unilateral actions. As the deadline for nominations approaches, the situation remains unresolved, indicating a potential legal challenge ahead.

Source: hgptv.com