Member of Parliament for A Partnership for National Unity, Attorney-at-Law Dr. Dexter Todd, has expressed his displeasure with the Speaker’s reprimand of Western Diplomats, who in recent weeks added their voice of concern over delay in the election of an Opposition Leader.

In a broadcast statement last evening, Speaker of the National Assembly, Manzoor Nadir, sought to explain his delay in calling a meeting for the election of the Opposition Leader, while describing the position taken by the Diplomats as “absurd”.

In a statement today, MP Todd said the position taken by the Speaker was extraordinary. He noted that the Diplomats were not expressing their “personal opinions” or interfering in the internal affairs of the country, but were advocating for the integrity of the Guyanese Constitution to be maintained.

“By calling for the appointment of a Leader of the Opposition, these representatives were supporting the completion of our governmental architecture. A government does not function solely on the will of a President. Our system is designed to be a complete structure. The Office of the Leader of the Opposition is not a “suggestion” or a political courtesy; it is a constitutional office. To leave that seat vacant is to leave our democracy unfinished. When the international community calls for this vacancy to be filled, they are not taking sides, they are standing on the side of the Supremacy of the Constitution, which is the highest law of our land,” Todd stated.

On the question of the delay in the appointment of the Opposition Leader, Todd said while the Speaker may have his own opinion and personal views on the matter, his personal feelings must not overshadow the rule of law.

Todd said it is deeply concerning to see a Speaker holding a view that is unconstitutional and undemocratic, noting that he should be a ‘referee of the House’, ensuring the rules are followed.

“Looking Ahead, we are clearly entering a period of interesting times within our Parliament. When the guardrails of our democracy start to lean, it is up to us the elected members and the citizens to straighten them. We must return to a place where respect for our Constitution outweighs personal political agendas. Our international partners expect it, but more importantly, the Guyanese people deserve it,” Mr. Todd stated.

Next Monday, Todd and his APNU colleagues are expected to join the other Opposition Members of Parliament in the meeting for the election of the Opposition Leader.

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