Guyana: Opposition Leader Requests Meeting to Discuss GECOM Commissioners

Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed has formally requested a meeting with the leaders of two other parliamentary opposition parties to address the need for a representative composition of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM). This request comes after a nine-month deadlock following last year’s general and regional elections.

In a letter dated June 10, addressed to Aubrey Norton, leader of the People’s National Congress Reform-dominated A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), Mr. Mohamed indicated that he was considering advising the President to appoint lawyers Roysdale Forde, Siand Dhurjon, and Damien Da Silva as new commissioners. These lawyers are currently representing Mr. Mohamed and his father, Nazar “Shell” Mohamed, in extradition proceedings related to alleged financial crimes.

Controversy has arisen regarding whether Mr. Norton was invited to a meeting later this month, which is part of the constitutionally required consultations with non-governmental parties in the National Assembly for the nomination of three commissioners. Mr. Norton has stated that he believes there is no vacancy for commissioners, and therefore, no need for a consultation.

In his letter, Mr. Mohamed invited Mr. Norton to submit names of individuals he would like to see appointed as GECOM commissioners by June 19, with a follow-up consultation scheduled for June 23. Mr. Norton has responded that he has not been invited to such a meeting.

Mr. Mohamed emphasized that the current opposition-nominated commissioners do not reflect the current parliamentary configuration, arguing that the constitutional purpose of ensuring meaningful representation within GECOM would be undermined if the largest parliamentary opposition were bound by previous appointments made under a different political mandate.

Mr. Norton confirmed that he has received Mr. Mohamed’s proposal for potential replacements for the current commissioners. Mr. Mohamed stated that he remains open to considering any suitable alternative nominees proposed by Mr. Norton.

Both Mr. Norton and the incumbent commissioners maintain that they will only resign if there is a court ruling or an amendment to the law. Mr. Mohamed expressed hope that a resolution can be reached, emphasizing the importance of representation for all parties within GECOM.

Source: demerarawaves.com