A significant political rift has emerged within Guyana’s opposition bloc following contentious remarks by PNCR-APNU Leader Aubrey Norton regarding WIN leader Azruddin Mohamed’s approach to electoral commission reforms. Norton publicly criticized Mohamed’s singular focus on removing three opposition-nominated Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) commissioners while allegedly ignoring deeper systemic issues.
During his party’s weekly news conference, Norton characterized Mohamed’s actions as politically naive, stating that the WIN leader should have conducted proper preliminary consultations rather than publicly demanding the removal of commissioners Vincent Alexander, Charles Corbin, and Desmond Trotman. “It shows you’re not doing your homework. You might be obsessed with getting rid of those who were appointed before but you need to do your homework so that you can deal with the issue properly,” Norton asserted.
The controversy stems from WIN’s position that as the new main opposition party, it deserves representation on the seven-member GECOM. However, Norton emphasized that appointed commissioners maintain permanent positions unless legal changes occur, citing constitutional provisions that make removal procedures complex and tribunal-dependent.
In a revealing development, Mohamed countered that he had attempted to contact Norton days prior without receiving a response. He has subsequently invited the three commissioners to a meeting scheduled for Sunday, while maintaining that “the law is clear” regarding their right to remain in position.
The PNCR-APNU leadership redirected criticism toward GECOM Chairman Retired Justice Claudette Singh, whom they accuse of consistently favoring the ruling People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPPC). Dr. Terrence Campbell, APNU parliamentary leader, identified the Chairperson as “the source of most of the problems rather than the opposition commissioners.” Norton concluded that WIN’s exclusive targeting of opposition-aligned commissioners while ignoring the Chairman’s alleged partisan behavior suggests concerning political alignment with the ruling party’s interests.