While Aubrey Norton will not be joining his team of 12 to represent the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) in the 13th Parliament, he still remains Leader of the Opposition. This was confirmed with Clerk of the National Assembly, Sherlock Isaacs.
In a brief comment, Isaacs told Guyana Standard that Norton remains the holder of that post until he is properly removed. The succession process entails a meeting that is convened by Speaker of the National Assembly, Manzoor Nadir. He ensures that all non-government members vote on the new leader of the main opposition.
“So becoming Opposition Leader is not something that is automatic…Mr Norton therefore remains the opposition leader until another one is elected,” said Isaacs, noting that it is therefore not a done deal that Azruddin Mohamed, leader of the We Invest In Nationhood (WIN) party, would become opposition leader.
Speaking with Guyana Standard today, PNCR Executive Member, Ganesh Mahipaul said Mohamed should not be referred to as an incumbent opposition leader. Mahipaul said he has seen reports of Mohamed accepting this title and finds it to be “pompus”.
“Mohamed is not the automatic opposition leader. It doesn’t come with automaticity…The 29 opposition MPs, 16 from WIN, 12 from APNU and 1 from Forward Movement Guyana, they will go through a nomination process…Whoever gets the most votes would be elected. Azruddin’s own people could vote against him…” said Mahipaul.
If Mohamed succeeds in his election to the Opposition Leader position, given that his party enjoys 16 seats, questions have raised about how he would receive his salary. In an interview with Guyana Standard, Mohamed said he engaged the Bank of Guyana Governor, Dr. Gobind Ganga through his lawyer, on the possibility of reopening his account to receive this payment. Mohamed’s accounts, and those connected to his family business, Mohameds Enterprise were all closed following sanctions from the U.S.
As Mohamed follows through on efforts to sort his account, funding for the Office of the Leader of the Opposition would likely escape any red tape. Isaacs confirmed that funds for this agency would be paid by parliament via cheque.
Over the last five years, the Office has received on average, $35 million per year. This was confirmed with Mahipaul who also noted that the salary and benefits are on par with that of a senior minister and the Speaker of the National Assembly.
