Attorney-at-law and President of the Guyana Bar Association, Kamal Ramkarran, has warned that the continuing delay in appointing a Leader of the Opposition in Guyana’s National Assembly threatens the proper functioning of parliamentary democracy and should be resolved urgently in keeping with the rule of law.

Ramkarran made the remarks amid growing concern over the prolonged impasse following the September 2025 General and Regional Elections, which returned President Irfaan Ali and the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) to office for a second term.

While the government’s parliamentary representatives were subsequently confirmed, the National Assembly has convened only once since the elections, meeting briefly on 3 November 2025. Since then, the legislature has remained largely inactive, raising concerns among legal and diplomatic observers about the pace at which key constitutional offices are being filled.

Constitutional office key to parliamentary oversight

In an invited comment to local media, Ramkarran stressed that Guyana’s constitutional framework requires the timely installation of a Leader of the Opposition.

“The rule of law requires that the situation be resolved as quickly as possible,” he said, emphasising that the office is central to the balance of power within the parliamentary system.

The Leader of the Opposition plays a critical role in legislative oversight and participates in several constitutional appointment processes. These include consultations on the selection of members of independent commissions and other oversight bodies that are designed to ensure accountability in governance.

Without the office-holder in place, Ramkarran cautioned, key elements of Guyana’s constitutional machinery risk being delayed or weakened.

Parliament yet to convene opposition members

Despite the urgency of the matter, Speaker of the National Assembly Manzoor Nadir has not yet convened the meeting of opposition Members of Parliament required to elect a Leader of the Opposition.

The Speaker has been overseas attending the 28th Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers of the Commonwealth in India, where discussions have centred on strengthening parliamentary democracy and legislative institutions.

Observers have pointed to the irony that Guyana’s parliament has remained largely dormant for months, even as the country prepares for major legislative activity, including the presentation of the 2026 national budget. A date for the next sitting of the National Assembly has not yet been publicly confirmed.

International partners call for functioning parliament

The delay has also drawn attention from members of the international diplomatic community, who have underscored the importance of a functioning opposition within democratic institutions.

British High Commissioner to Guyana Jane Miller has urged that the election of the Opposition Leader take place “without delay”, stressing that effective parliamentary democracy requires the participation of both government and opposition representatives.

Similarly, United States Ambassador Nicole Theriot encouraged the convening of parliament and the appointment of the Opposition Leader as soon as possible so that elected officials can carry out their constitutional responsibilities.

European Union Ambassador Luca Pierantoni has also expressed confidence that the matter will be resolved once parliamentary sittings resume, noting that the selection of the Opposition Leader is a necessary step for the normal functioning of the legislative branch.

Political dynamics behind the delay

Political observers have suggested that the delay may be linked to uncertainty within the opposition ranks following the elections. The We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) party, led by businessman Azruddin Mohamed, emerged as the surprise second-place finisher in the 2025 polls and is widely expected to play a central role in selecting the Opposition Leader.

However, Mohamed is currently the subject of extradition proceedings in the United States after being indicted by a Florida grand jury, a development that has added complexity to the political landscape.

While Ramkarran noted that the Guyana Bar Association has not adopted an official position on the political aspects of the matter, he maintained that constitutional principles should guide the resolution of the impasse.

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