“Parliament is the cornerstone of democracy” – Canadian High Commissioner says

Jan 18, 2026 News

---

(Kaieteur News) – Canadian High Commissioner to Guyana Sébastien Sigouin in a Facebook post on Friday reminded that “Parliament is the cornerstone of democracy.” The High Commissioner’s statement followed closely that of other envoys who also spoke of the importance of democracy to nations.

“In recent weeks, there has been renewed public discussion in Guyana about the role of Parliament. Those who follow me saw in one of my previous posts, leading to International Human Rights Day, my belief that Parliament is a cornerstone of democracy — a place where accountability is exercised, differing views are expressed peacefully, and the interests of citizens are debated through constitutional means,” Sigouin said.

The Canadian diplomat reminded that his role as the High Commissioner of Canada entails engaging with a wide range of actors across society, including government, figures in the opposition, civil society, communities and the private sector.

“This is because of my longstanding support for democratic governance, human rights, and the rule of law. Engagement does not imply endorsement; it reflects a genuine commitment to dialogue and to institutions,” he added.

The High Commissioner said that Canada’s approach has always been guided by respect. “Respect for sovereignty, for constitutional processes, and for the principle that strong institutions are essential to a resilient democracy. These principles will continue to guide my work, and the approach of the country I have the privilege to represent,” Sigouin stressed.

On January 12, Kaieteur News reported that, in invited comments to Stabroek News, diplomatic representatives from the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada and the European Union all weighed in on the issue.

United States Ambassador to Guyana, Nicole Theriot, said: “We all recognise the importance of a functioning opposition as part of any legislative body. I join my EU and British colleagues in encouraging the convening of Parliament and the election of the Leader of the Opposition as soon as possible so all those elected by the people of Guyana can begin performing their constitutionally designated duties. An active Parliament is important for Guyana’s continued growth and development which will benefit all the people of Guyana.”

British High Commissioner to Guyana Jane Miller similarly emphasised that both government and opposition parliamentarians occupy a “critical role” in the legislative process, and called for the election of a leader of the opposition to take place “without delay.”

Miller told Stabroek News that Guyana’s system of governance depends on the active participation of all elected members, noting that the appointment of a leader of the opposition is a prerequisite for parliamentarians to fully execute their constitutional duties. She also said there is a vital link between a robust legislature and a flourishing democracy, adding that she “eagerly awaits” the formal opening of the national assembly.

At that time Sigouin, called for the protection and strengthening of democratic principles, good governance and the rule of law. He stated: “The appointment of the Leader of the Opposition and the scheduling of parliamentary sittings are matters for Guyana’s constitutional actors to resolve in accordance with the law. I am confident that Guyana’s democratic traditions and institutions will address these issues and ensure that Parliament can carry out its important work on behalf of the people of Guyana.”

European Union Ambassador to Guyana, Luca Pierantoni, said he would be “rather surprised” if parliament does not resume sitting within the next couple of weeks, expressing confidence that the long-outstanding issue of appointing a leader of the opposition would be resolved once parliamentary business recommences.

Stakeholders have been calling on Speaker of the National Assembly Manzoor Nadir to call a meeting of the members of the Opposition so that the Leader of the Opposition can be elected and parliamentary matters proceeded with.

Further, the We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) party, which secured the most votes in the parliamentary opposition, has been repeatedly calling on the speaker to convene a meeting so that its leader, the presumptive Leader of the Opposition, could be elected.

The party welcomed the statements made by the western diplomats in Guyana and reminded that the timely convening of parliament and the election of a leader of the opposition are essential to accountability, representation and the proper functioning of democratic governance, warning that continued delay obstructs constitutional responsibilities and denies citizens the full benefit of their democratic rights.

WIN has accused the speaker of undermining the functioning of parliament in an effort to prevent WIN’s leader, U.S. sanctioned Azruddin Mohamed, from being sworn in as leader of the opposition.

The 13th Parliament was convened on November 3, 2025, when government and opposition MPs were sworn in.

Since then, no date has been announced for Speaker Nadir to preside over a sitting to elect the opposition leader. The party currently holds the majority of opposition seats in the National Assembly, with 16 MPs. A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) has 12 seats, while Forward Guyana Movement (FGM) holds one.

---

• Canadian High Commissioner, cornerstone, Democracy, Parliament, Sébastien Sigouin, win

---