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President Ali hangs Parliament’s fate on November deadline
– says Govt. will abide by constitution
Kaieteur News – With the September 1, 2025, General and Regional Elections now behind us and his new cabinet sworn in, President Irfaan Ali has assured that the 13th Parliament will be convened within the constitutional deadline.
Parliament building
The 12th Parliament was dissolved on July 3, 2025, ahead of the polls, which resulted in the People’s Progressive Party Civic, PPP/C securing victory and Ali being elected for a second term. He was sworn in on September 7, followed by the appointment of his cabinet in the days after. The only outstanding step is the reconvening of Parliament.
Under Article 69 (1) of the Constitution of Guyana, Parliament must meet no later than four months after dissolution. The provision states: “Each session of Parliament shall be held at such place within Guyana and shall begin at such time (not being later than six months from the end of the preceding session if Parliament has been prorogued or four months from the end of that session if Parliament has been dissolved) as the President shall appoint by proclamation.”
On Tuesday, during an interview with journalist Kiana Wilburg, president Ali reiterated his government’s commitment to operating within the Constitution. “You can always count on the PPP/C government to do everything within the constitution, and I would never ever do anything outside of it. Article 69 (1) speaks on this matter. The president will reconvene parliament, we have until four months after the parliament was dissolved,” he said.
The President added that he sees no need to rush the process. “I still have a lot of time under the constitution to reconvene parliament. It will take me sometime in November that is within the constitution. So, I think Guyana can trust the PPP/C government and we will operate within the constitution. The constitution gives me a time frame and I was elected President and what I can assure you that it will be convened within the constitutional timeframe,” the President said.
However, the opposition has criticised the delay, arguing that urgent national matters remain unattended. Businessman Terrence Campbell, who is set to lead A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) in the 13th Parliament, expressed frustration, saying his parliamentary team is already prepared. My parliamentary team is ready for parliament to be convened. We at this point have no idea why the President seems to be delaying by using up the entire timeframe of four months for the convening of Parliament, but we are ready for parliament to be convened tomorrow, “he said.
Campbell emphasised that several pressing national issues must be urgently addressed, particularly those relating to the electoral system. As the newly elected leader, he expressed cautious optimism about taking up his role in Parliament, while emphasising the need for immediate action on these matters. “I am cautiously optimistic about taking up my leadership role in Parliament. There are many matters of national interest that must be addressed. For example, I believe Parliament ought to address the issue of elections in Guyana, including making budgetary provisions for biometrics going forward, as well as addressing the state of the voters’ list,” he stated.
He further stressed that no future elections, whether national or local, should be held without first cleaning up the voters’ list and implementing biometric systems. “I am looking forward to the president calling parliament in short order, I don’t believe that there is a need to delay parliament any further,” Campbell stated.
Meanwhile, Azruddin Mohamed, Leader of the We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) party and a soon-to-be member of Parliament, affirmed his party’s readiness to take up its role in the National Assembly. “WIN stands ready and fully prepared to take our seats in the 13th Parliament whenever it is convened. Our focus is to represent the people and be a voice for all Guyanese in the highest office,” Mohamed stated. He further emphasised that the party will abide by the law and respect the decisions made regarding the timing of Parliament’s convening. Forward Guyana Movement Leader Amanza Walton declined to comment at this time.
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Pres. Ali is showing his mettles- who is in charge-waiting on Jagdeo.
Government has a mandate to run the country on behalf of its citizens- not
on the sidelines but, in PARLIAMENT where decisions are made by voting
of the MP’s. Ali is very stupid sticking to the 3 months rule law by the
constitution- re-convening Parliament. He is applying unnecessary pressure
whilst lowering his status as a President- very un- statesman like. The 3 months
rule/law is just a guidance not to overstep/overlap. He could very well have
re-convened Parliament 2 weeks, 1 month after the results of the election,
since he formed his/Jagdeo’s Government.