Opposition Member of Parliament (MP) and A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) Parliamentary Lead, Dr. Terrence Campbell has filed a Fixed Date Application for Judicial Review and Constitutional Relief in the High Court of Guyana.
Dr. Campbell is challenging the recent appointments made by President Dr. Irfaan Ali to the Teaching Service Commission (TSC).
He argues that Article 207 of the Guyana Constitution states that the appointment of TSC members is to be conducted through a process that requires, inter alia, meaningful consultation with the Leader of the Opposition.
“This constitutional mandate is not merely a procedural formality, but a vital safeguard designed to ensure balance, independence, and inclusivity within this essential body,” the MP said in a statement to the Press on Tuesday.
He added that the action is “taken in the public interest, aiming to uphold constitutional compliance and promote the essential role of parliamentary participation in the governance of our nation.”
While the Constitution is clear about consultation between the President and the Opposition Leader, the National Assembly is without the latter.
This is due to the Speaker of the House, Manzoor Nadir’s failure to facilitate a meeting to appoint one, despite the opposition’s clamour.
“It is my firm belief, supported by legal advice, that the President’s appointment of three members to the TSC—despite the absence of an elected Leader of the Opposition—constitutes a grave misunderstanding of our constitutional framework,” Dr. Campbell noted.
He said that the Constitution expressly requires that meaningful consultation must occur before any appointments are made under Article 207(2)(d). This critical requirement was unilaterally bypassed by the President, contravening the foundational principles that guide democracy, the MP expressed.
He added that the absence of a Leader of the Opposition does not provide the President with the authority to override or dispense with this constitutional safeguard.
“Effective governance requires adherence to constitutional processes, and it is essential that the rights of the Opposition Members of Parliament are respected in this context.”
Dr. Campbell accused the “constitutional authorities and actors” as well as ministers on the goverment bench of “tolerating and maintaining” the “vacancy for the position of Leader of the Opposition”.
“There is no public record or evidence indicating that these authorities have said, or done, anything to encourage the Speaker to convene a meeting for the election of a new Leader of the Opposition as required by the parliamentary process,” he said.
“I call upon all Guyanese to recognize the importance of robust parliamentary participation and to stand firm against any actions that may dilute our constitutional rights,” the APNU Parliamentary Lead concluded.
