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Why the wait to convene the 13th Parliament?
Dear Editor,
I’ve noticed the discourse about the convening of the 13th Parliament. I am also cognizant of the fact that our constitution allows for four months between the dissolution and convening of a new parliament.
However, history shows that precedence has been set as it relates to the timeline between the swearing in of the President and the convening of Parliament, which is between two to four weeks, with the exception of the 1992 elections, for which the timeline was two months, and 2012, for which it was one and a half months, both being PPP-led administrations. The question to be asked is why the wait? With President Ali being sworn in on Sept 7th, 2025, I await another week to see if he will act within precedence or if he will choose to utilize time as afforded by the constitution.
Of particular concern is the apparent breach of the legal timeline for the swearing-in of Regional Democratic Council (RDC) councillors and convening of the meeting to elect chairman and vice chairman of the various RDCs. Our laws stipulate that following the official declaration of the results of any elections of councillors, the clerk of the council must within seven days call a meeting not later than fourteen (14) days after the date of declaration for the purpose of electing a chair and vice chair. This requirement is not one that is optional but a binding legal and constitutional obligation which was designed to safeguard the uninterrupted functioning of local democratic governance. Therefore, this delay cannot be viewed as a simple administrative oversight. Rather, it is a deliberate ploy aimed at suppressing opposition scrutiny. Meanwhile, at the level of the RDC projects and works continue across the country without the benefit of oversight by the duly elected representatives of the people. The message is unambiguous: the Ali Administration will govern unilaterally, disregarding all established democratic checks and balances, and if it requires trampling upon the principles of local democracy, so be it.
This highlights a broader political reality: No PPP government has prioritized transparency, accountability, or inclusive governance. No wonder they are often seen as highly corrupt administrations both locally and internationally. Their conduct increasingly resembles the hallmarks of a regime drifting towards a dictatorship.
When one examines the political maneuvers of the modern-day People’s Progressive Party and the workings of the previous and current Ali Administrations, several troubling patterns emerge:
- The weakening of our democratic institutions.
- The abrasion of electoral integrity.
- The quest for concentration of power.
- The suppression of dissent
- The control of information and propaganda.
- The undermining of the rule of law.
These are not abstract concerns; they are the classic symptoms of democratic decline and, if unchecked, the early signals of a dictatorship rule. No dictatorship, however subtle in its rise, has ever served the interests of the ordinary citizen.
It is therefore imperative that we, as Guyanese, confront these realities before it is too late. The Ali administration must be held accountable by every citizen, not only in observance of the law but also in its respect for every institution and tiers of governance. Local Authority Areas, particularly those not under the PPP’s control, must not be bypassed or diminished simply for the sake of political dominance.
What the Ali Administration has highlighted most clearly is the urgent need for constitutional reform. We the people need to demand the strengthening of our constitutional safeguards, least we remain vulnerable to the abuse and manipulation of our laws in pursuit of political dominance. Guyana’s democracy must be defended by law, institutions and the will of the people, it must not be left at the mercy of political convenience.
Regards,
Clayon F. Halley
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