The role of the Opposition Leader is not ceremonial; it is a constitutionally mandated

Jan 16, 2026 Letters

Dear Editor,

The continued failure to elect a Leader of the Opposition in Guyana, despite clear constitutional requirements and repeated expressions of concern from the international community, is no longer a matter that can be explained away as routine political delay. It has become a serious national issue with implications for governance, institutional integrity, and democratic credibility.

The office of the Leader of the Opposition is a cornerstone of Guyana’s constitutional architecture. Its absence has directly contributed to delays in the proper constitution of key oversight bodies, thereby weakening checks and balances and undermining public confidence in the democratic process. These are not abstract concerns; they affect the functioning of the state and the protection of citizens’ rights.

While internal disagreements within the opposition have been cited as the cause of the delay, constitutional obligations cannot be indefinitely suspended by political impasse. Leadership demands the ability to resolve differences in the national interest, particularly when the consequences of inaction affect the entire country.

The international community’s calls should be understood not as interference, but as a reflection of Guyana’s standing as a democratic nation bound by shared principles of accountability, transparency, and the rule of law. Prolonged noncompliance with constitutional norms risks eroding the goodwill and confidence that Guyana has worked hard to build.

At a moment when Guyana’s global profile and economic importance are rapidly expanding, the country can ill afford perceptions of institutional paralysis or constitutional neglect. The responsibility now rests squarely with those empowered to act to demonstrate statesmanship, urgency, and respect for the Constitution.

The people of Guyana deserve a fully functioning parliamentary democracy. The continued delay in electing a Leader of the Opposition is unjustifiable and must be brought to an end without further excuses.

Faithfully,
M Shiv

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The role of the Opposition Leader is not ceremonial; it is a constitutionally mandated

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