New Era Begins ...13th Parliament convenes with new main opposition

New Era Begins …13th Parliament convenes with new main opposition

Nov 04, 2025 News

…Nadir re-elected Speaker, PPP/C snaps up Deputy Speaker also

(Kaieteur News) – The political spotlight fell on the Arthur Chung Conference Centre in Liliendaal on Monday where the Thirteenth Parliament of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana was officially convened.

New Era Begins ...13th Parliament convenes with new main opposition

Leader of We Invest in Nationhood (WIN), Azruddin Mohamed takes the oath as a Member of the 13th Parliament of Guyana.

A major highlight of the opening session was the formal swearing-in of Azruddin Mohamed, Leader of the newly ascendant We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) party as a Member of Parliament. He and his father are currently facing extradition proceedings after being indicted by the United States for gold smuggling and a range of other offences.

At the first sitting Manzoor Nadir was unanimously re-elected to preside as speaker over the Thirteenth Parliament. Nadir’s nomination was put forward by Prime Minister Mark Phillips and seconded by Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance, Gail Teixeira.

Meanwhile, Government MP, Dr. Vishwa Mahadeo was elected Deputy Speaker after securing 36 votes from the PPP benches. Former Minister and Prime Ministerial candidate for the We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) party, Tabitha Sarabo-Halley, also contested the position, receiving 17 votes from Opposition WIN MPs. Members of A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) abstained from the vote. Mahadeo was subsequently administered the Oath of Office. A total of 65 Members of Parliament were sworn in: 36 from the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) 16 from WIN 12 from APNU 1 from the newly represented Forward Guyana Movement (FGM).

Manzoor Nadir sworn in as Speaker of 13th Parliament.

Following the appointment of the Speaker and Deputy Speaker, the 65 MPs were sworn-in. In his inaugural address to the 13^th Parliament, the Speaker expressed gratitude for his election to serve for a second term. He previously served three terms as an MP under past PPP-led administrations, two terms as a Cabinet member and one term as Speaker of the 12^th Parliament.

Dr. Vishwa Mahadeo elected Deputy Speaker.

Nadir charged the new 65-member Assembly to be undivided, especially in the face of threats to the nation’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. He said, “This assembly is not merely a chamber for legislation. It is the beating heart of the people’s agenda for progress. In the face of external threats and challenges, such as the provocations from (Venezuelan President, Nicolas) Maduro, let us stand united, resolve in our defense of Guyana’s borders and sovereignty. Our unity is our strength and our patriotism are shield. Together, let us advance the cause of Guyana, forging a legacy of peace, prosperity, pride, and greatness for generations to come.”

He called on the Assembly to remember their duty to represent the people with fairness, objectivity, and an “unyielding commitment to justice free from personal or partisan biases” as Guyana stands tall for its remarkable strides across numerous sectors.

Importantly, Nadir reminded the MPs of their duty to uphold mutual respect and act with dignity in the performance of their duties. “Our conduct must reflect the honour of this House and especially the expectations of our people,” the Speaker said.