Pres. Ali sets Nov 3 for opening of 13th Parliament

Oct 24, 2025 News

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– critics say government “ran the clock” on constitutional deadline

(Kaieteur News) – President Dr. Irfaan Ali has officially issued the Proclamation for the opening of the 13th Parliament of Guyana, scheduled for Monday, November 3, 2025, at 14:00 hrs.

In a live broadcast on Thursday, President Ali announced that the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC) will serve as the venue for both the opening ceremony and the subsequent sittings of the National Assembly. The President’s proclamation marks a key step in Guyana’s post-election transition following the dissolution of the 12th Parliament on July 3, 2025, which paved the way for the General and Regional Elections held on September 1, 2025. The People’s Progressive Party Civic, PPP/C secured victory at the polls and Ali was elected for a second term. He was sworn in on September 7, followed by the appointment of his cabinet in the days after. The ceremonial opening of Parliament is expected to feature traditional proceedings, including an address by President Ali outlining his government’s legislative and development agenda for the new parliamentary term.

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.”

The opposition and other stakeholders had complained about the delay in in the summoning of Parliament. The Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC) last Thursday demanded the immediate summoning of the 13th Parliament. In a press release, the union said that Guyana’s “urgent business cannot wait any longer.” “As Guyana faces mounting challenges—the management of our crucial oil and gas resources, a soaring cost of living, deepening poverty, and escalating tensions between the United States (U.S.) and Venezuela placing our country at risk—swift parliamentary action is imperative,” the GTUC said. Additionally, the GTUC reiterated its call for inclusive democracy as mandated by the Constitution of Guyana. “Effective governance requires the full participation of all Guyanese, united under the motto: One People, One Nation, One Destiny. This shared responsibility must be embraced without delay. The immediate convening of the 13th Parliament is not only necessary—it is essential to safeguard our nation’s future.”

The opposition in criticising the delay had argued that urgent national matters remain unattended. Businessman Terrence Campbell, who is set to lead A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) in the 13th Parliament, had 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 had said back then.

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 had 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.

In earlier comments, President Ali had assured that his government is committed 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 at the time that he saw 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 had said.

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• 13th Parliament, Arthur Chung Conference Centre, constitutional deadline, Irfaan Ali, National Assembly

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