Guyana: Ramkarran Comments on APNU-Backed Election Commissioners’ Tenure

Ralph Ramkarran, a former House Speaker, has stated that the three election commissioners aligned with the APNU+AFC coalition should resign following the general and regional elections held on September 1, 2025. He expressed this view in his column, “The tenure of election commissioners,” arguing that the commissioners do not represent the new main opposition party.

Ramkarran noted that the three commissioners, Desmond Trotman, Vincent Alexander, and Charles Corbin, were originally appointed based on recommendations from a previous opposition leader. He emphasized that their continued presence in office is not justified given the election of a new opposition leader. He pointed out that there is no constitutional provision for the commissioners to vacate their positions, and they have declined to resign.

He predicted that the situation could persist due to the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPPC) administration’s apparent reluctance to collaborate with the 16-seat We Invest in Nationhood (WIN). Ramkarran suggested that the government might prefer to retain the current commissioners rather than amend the Constitution to facilitate their removal.

The relationship between the PPPC and WIN has deteriorated since June 2024, when the U.S. imposed restrictions on the Mohameds, founders of WIN, due to alleged financial crimes. This led to the revocation of their licenses and permits by the Guyana government.

Sources indicate that Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed’s request for the appointment of new commissioners has not been favorably considered due to the lack of vacancies. Ramkarran mentioned that WIN may need to pursue legal action to address the situation, expressing optimism that the court could rule in their favor regarding the confidence of the opposition leader in the commissioners.

He cautioned, however, that without specific constitutional provisions for their removal, the court might not declare the positions vacant. Additionally, the GECOM Chairman, Retired Justice Claudette Singh, has not convened a meeting for several months, which could affect the planning for the upcoming Local Government Elections in 2026.

Currently, the APNU and the three commissioners maintain that there are no vacancies, and any change would require a court ruling or constitutional amendment. Ramkarran referenced past legislation that mandated commissioners to resign three months after elections, highlighting a shift in current practices.

Source: demerarawaves.com