With a Leader of the Opposition now back in place, the Article 13 Civil Society group has issued a call for the process to begin for the substantive appointments of a Chancellor and Chief Justice.

In a statement yesterday, the group reminded that the President and the Leader of the Opposition have taken an Oath to uphold the Constitution in its entirety, not partially and the group believes that the onus is on the President to initiate the appointment/confirmation process and that he must do so forthwith.

“Article 13 notes with dismay that successive Administrations, Presidents and Leaders of the Opposition have been unable to agree on these appointments, unmindful and unresponsive to calls to address this egregious state of affairs. In our view this failure shows a disregard for the Constitution and the rule of law and puts the judicial system of the country in a negative light. To blame the system or to call for its change is like advocating changing the system of free and fair elections because one political party does not want to play by the rules
of democracy”, the group said.

Article 13 also noted that it would be unfair not to confirm the incumbents who have acted in their positions for several years, adding that if the President is not so inclined he must say so and offer reasons.

The group said once the President begins the process, the onus shifts to the LOP to respond, adding that the reforms necessary can then follow the appointments.

Guyana has been without a substantive Chancellor since 2005.   Just recently, the President of the Caribbean Court of Justice called for the appointments to be confirmed before the end of this year.

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