Debate Deepens Over Future of Opposition-Appointed GECOM Commissioners
By Antonio Dey | HGP Nightly News
Much discussion has surfaced regarding the tenure of opposition-appointed commissioners under Article 161(3)(b) of Guyana’s Constitution, with political pundits split on whether these commissioners can be replaced by the incoming Opposition Leader, Azruddin Mohamed, of the We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) Party.
Some analysts argue that commissioners—such as Vincent Alexander, who was appointed by the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) in 2007—may only be removed for sickness, mental incapacity, or misbehavior, as outlined under Article 225(2). This interpretation suggests that they essentially serve until resignation, death, or legal cause for dismissal.
Mohamed’s Recommendation
Mohamed, now the incoming Opposition Leader, has suggested that opposition-nominated commissioners should resign their posts, given that the APNU coalition no longer serves as the official parliamentary opposition, despite securing 12 seats in the September 1 elections alongside For Guyana, which gained one seat.
Legal and Constitutional Interpretations
Commissioner Vincent Alexander rejected the notion of automatic replacement, stating:
“The provisions for us to vacate the office would be if we resign or if we die. The law is not always logical—it is what is written.”
However, Neville Bissember a legal expert, argued that by common-sense interpretation, the appointing authority—the current Opposition Leader—should have the discretion to retain or replace opposition-nominated commissioners.
Supporting this line of thought,Bissember , a senior lecturer in public international law at the University of Guyana, said practicality should guide the interpretation, allowing Mohamed to make adjustments in line with his new mandate.
Alexander Holds Firm
Despite the debate, Alexander maintained his position:
“I’m staying in my portfolio because I do not know of a legal basis on which I should be replaced. I’m not saying there isn’t one—I don’t know of it.”
For now, the issue remains unresolved, and legal experts suggest the matter may ultimately require a judicial challenge to settle the constitutional ambiguity.
Meanwhile, it was revealed that each of the six commissioners at GECOM earns over $450,000 after tax monthly, further fueling public interest in the debate.
