Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs Anil Nandlall on Tuesday night supported Speaker of the National Assembly Manzoor Nadir, who in a national address, outlined his concerns about the suitability of US-indicted businessman Azruddin Mohamed for the post of Leader of the Opposition.
They both emphasized in the end that the final decision rests entirely with opposition Members of Parliament, a position that President Dr Irfaan Ali had previously taken
During his address, Speaker Nadir said the impending election of a Leader of the Opposition places a significant responsibility on non-government MPs, particularly given the international legal circumstances surrounding the presumptive nominee.
Nadir said that as Speaker, his role is not to influence the outcome of the vote, but to uphold the Constitution, preserve the dignity of the National Assembly and ensure that the parliamentary process is allowed to proceed in accordance with the law.
He explained that the prospect of a sanctioned and indicted individual being elected to such a high constitutional office places him in a challenging position, given his obligation to protect the integrity and reputation of Parliament. However, he made it clear that the Constitution vests the authority to elect a Leader of the Opposition solely in the hands of opposition MPs.
Addressing criticisms from sections of the public, media and diplomatic community, Nadir said Guyana’s parliamentary democracy should be assessed fairly and within its constitutional framework.
Nadir confirmed that he has instructed the Clerk of the National Assembly to convene a meeting of all non-government Members of Parliament at 10:00 hrs on Monday, January 26, for the election of the Leader of the Opposition.
He said that regardless of the outcome, he will facilitate the process as required by the Constitution, while cautioning that the implications of the decision would be borne by those who cast their votes.
Nadir cautioned against romanticising criminality in public office, reminding that history has shown the dangers of elevating internationally notorious figures to positions of power.
“Pablo Escobar, while he was made into a role model for some, never made it to becoming an Honourable Member of Parliament; extortion, money laundering, terrorism and trafficking were all associated with Pablo Escobar,” Nadir said.
Attorney General Nandlall, speaking separately on Tuesday night, said he supports the Speaker’s position.
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