Diplomatic partners warn of democratic drift as Parliament remains inactive.
January 11 2025
Guyana’s prolonged parliamentary inactivity is drawing growing concern from its key international partners, who have cautioned that the continued absence of a functioning National Assembly and an elected Leader of the Opposition risks undermining democratic governance.
More than two months after the 13th Parliament last convened, representatives of the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and the European Union collectively known as the ABCEU partners have publicly stressed the urgency of restoring Parliament’s full operations. Central to those concerns is the failure to elect a Leader of the Opposition following the September 1, 2025, general and regional elections.
United States Ambassador Nicole Theriot has been particularly direct, stating that the Leader of the Opposition should be elected “as soon as possible.”
She emphasized that a functioning opposition is a cornerstone of any democratic legislature and that Parliament must be allowed to operate so that all elected representatives can carry out their constitutional responsibilities.
According to Theriot, Guyana’s continued growth and development depend on effective parliamentary oversight and participation.
British High Commissioner Jane Miller aligned with that position, underscoring that the proper functioning of Guyana’s governance system relies on the timely involvement of all elected members.
She noted that the election of the Leader of the Opposition is not discretionary but a necessary step to ensure balance and accountability within the National Assembly.
Canada’s High Commissioner, Sébastien Sigouin, adopted a more measured tone, acknowledging that decisions regarding parliamentary sittings and the appointment of the Opposition Leader fall within Guyana’s constitutional framework.
Nevertheless, he expressed confidence that the country’s democratic institutions and traditions would ultimately resolve the current impasse.
Sigouin also referenced comments by European Union Ambassador Luca Pierantoni, who highlighted the importance of strong public institutions in translating democratic principles such as accountability and equality into practice.
Pierantoni has said he would be “rather surprised” if Parliament does not resume sitting within the next couple of weeks, adding that the issue of appointing a Leader of the Opposition is expected to be settled once parliamentary proceedings recommence.
The 13th Parliament has met only once, on November 3, 2025.
Since then, no additional sitting has been called by Speaker of the National Assembly Manzoor Nadir, and no public explanation has been offered for the delay.
Under normal circumstances, the election of the Leader of the Opposition is a routine procedure conducted by the Speaker at the first sitting of a new Parliament or shortly thereafter.
People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) the incumbent governing party received approximately 242,498 votes nationwide, earning 36 of the 65 seats in the National Assembly. This placed the PPP/C as the clear winner of the election with a strong majority.
We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) a newly formed political movement finished second with about 109,066 votes, translating into 16 seats in the National Assembly.
A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) the traditional opposition grouping garnered around 77,998 votes, resulting in 12 seats in Parliament.
Forward Guyana Movement (FGM) another smaller party secured approximately 4,326 votes, which translated into 1 seat in the National Assembly.
The Opposition parties have written to both CARICOM and the Commonwealth seeking their intervention.
To date, the government has not publicly called on the Speaker to convene Parliament, despite mounting international pressure for legislative business to resume and for the Opposition Leader to be elected without further delay.
