Aubrey Norton, Chairman of APNU and PNC Reform Leader is standing firm on his decision not to replace opposition representatives on the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) despite the fact that his party no longer forms the main opposition.
His most recent statement is that no vacancies exist on the commission. This response was given to Opposition Leader, Azruddin Mohamed.
In a letter to Norton dated June 10, 2026 Mohamed emphasized the urgent need for the three new Commissioners of the Elections Commission to be appointed under appointed under Articles 161 and 161(3)(b of the Constitution. He nominated Senior Counsel Roysdale Forde, attorney-at-law Siand Dhurjon and attorney-at-law Damien Da Silva for commissioners
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Mohamed said that the sitting commissioners, Charles Corbin, Desmond Trotman, and Vincent Alexander were appointed based on advice from a different opposition leadership, which no longer aligns with the present political makeup. According to Mohamed, the purpose of the Leader of the Opposition is to ensure that the parliamentary opposition enjoys meaningful representation and confidence within the Elections Commission. He further stated that the constitutional purpose would be substantially undermined if the largest parliamentary opposition were indefinitely bound by appointments purportedly made at the instance of the former opposition leadership representing a different political mandate.
” It is unthinkable that the Constitution contemplated a situation where the Leader of the Opposition (or the President) would be constrained to work with, be advised by and advise GECOM Commissioners appointed largely at the instance of an adversary political party or leader representing a different political mandate,” Mohamed stated.
The Opposition Leader further explained that by law, the seats of the three opposition-appointed commissioners are deemed vacant due to their tenures having expired and the circumstances of a new principal opposition and a completely new parliamentary configuration.
He made reference to 2015 and 2020 elections and stated that when the governing political parties changed, previously opposition-appointed commissioners did not continue to represent the interests of the newly elected opposition but instead, they effectively continued to represent the interests of the current government. Mohamed contended that Guyana now has a more diverse political landscape that reflects the complex and varied views of its people.
Public confidence in the previous Commissioners has waned, Mohamed added, citing their track record as a factor in his reluctance to support their reappointment. However, he clarified that he remains open to considering any proposals supporting their reappointment and is willing to evaluate suitable alternative nominees.
Mohamed said while his decision is not finalized, he is considering advising the President to appoint nominated individuals. He invited Norton to submit additional names or alternative candidates by June 19, 2026. Following this, a consultative meeting is scheduled for 10:30am June 23, 2026, at the WIN Headquarters at Serenity Court Green Acres, Providence, East Bank Demerara, for further deliberation. Mohamed expressed his intention to submit a finalized list of nominees to the President and GECOM by June 26, 2026.
Norton responded in a letter dated June 10, 2026 and stated that Mohamed’s assertions, there are currently no vacancies within GECOM that would necessitate the Leader of the Opposition’s involvement. He explained that the existing constitution does not mandate the automatic termination of commissioners simply because the parliamentary opposition’s composition has changed or a new Leader of the Opposition has assumed office.
He strongly criticized Mohamed’s reliance on Articles 161 and 161(3)(b) of the Constitution, stating that these provisions govern the appointment and composition of GECOM, but do not grant the opposition leader the authority to unilaterally replace or remove sitting Commissioners based on political shifts.
“The assertion contained in your letter “that the constitution contemplates that the seats of the three opposition-advised members of GECOM have become vacant” by operation of law’ on account of their tenures having come to an end and being spent in the circumstances of a new principal opposition” is indeed a completely novel interpretation, since it is unsupported by any provision of the Constitution, any known judicial authority, or any established constitutional principle or practice,” Norton stated.
According to Norton, the 2000 constitutional reforms aimed to establish GECOM as an independent and autonomous body an essential pillar of Guyana’s democratic framework. Norton suggested that instead of focusing on contentious appointments, attention should shift toward strengthening GECOM’s structural integrity and systemic arrangements to ensure its independence.
The APNU Chairman has emphasized the importance of prioritizing the reform of GECOM’s structure and systemic arrangements at this time to ensure its independent functioning, as envisioned by the constitutional change. He recommended that these issues be considered by the upcoming Constitution Reform Commission for implementation prior to the next General and Regional Elections.
