As the President and the Opposition Leader continue to trade blame over their failure to meet on matters of national importance including Constitutional appointments, President Irfaan Ali defended himself today and said he has had “eight formal communications” with the Leader of the Opposition, Aubrey Norton on Constitutional matters in a period of 14 months.

Most of those “formal communications” were in the form of letters from the Minister of Governance Gail Teixeira. 

“For a matter of fact, I formally reached out to the Leader of the Opposition on eight occasions between April 2022 and June 2023 in relation to fulfilling my duties in accordance with what the Constitution requires. So, you would not find me wanting when it comes to fulfilling my constitutional mandate,” the President told reporters at an early morning press conference.

The President and Opposition Leader have had just one meeting more than a year ago.

 Back in June letters were exchanged on the appointment of the Public Service Commission.    

President Ali, today, maintained that he has done his part.

“I have fulfilled my Constitutional mandate,” he repeatedly told reporters, while noting that the “burden” to meet should not be placed on him, since he has abided with the Constitution and has consulted with the Opposition Leader as mandated.

However, he shutdown a series of questions relating to possible “dialogue” with the Opposition Leader on matters of national importance including constitutional reform.

“Dialogue on what?” he repeatedly asked.

On Friday, the Leader of the Opposition Aubrey Norton and the Chairman of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR), Shurwayne Holder accused the President and his Administration of creating a “one-party” state. According to Norton and Holder, the Government has excluded the Opposition Members of Parliament from State Boards and Commissions.

President Ali, however, refuted that claim, telling reporters that persons “affiliated” with the Opposition have been appointed to a number of State Boards as statutorily required. He said in the future affiliates of the Opposition will even receive international appointments.

“We have a history of dealing with things in an equitable manner. So, not only are we committed to having affiliates and members of the opposing side incorporated in government and boards but soon you will see appointments at international level that will also include such persons,” the President said.

He said too that while the Opposition Leader is an individual, the Opposition includes a wide cross-section of people, some of whom he has had engagements with including Members of Parliament and Executives of the PNCR.

The US has said that it is open to mediate talks between the President and Opposition Leader, but the Government has brushed aside that offer.

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