The delivery of the decisions by the Chief Justice demonstrates the independence and integrity of the Judiciary in protecting the Constitution and upholding the rule of law. The Honourable Speaker’s earlier validation of the process of the controversial voting at the National Assembly was testimony of the integrity of the legislative arm of the State. It is hoped that the third arm of the State, the Executive, will demonstrate its integrity and respect for Guyana’s Constitution and the Judiciary that constitute the foundation for the rule of law.
UNDP Resident Representative
At a recent rally held in Vreed-en-Hoop, the President declared that he and his Cabinet would remain in position and the Government would continue to function as normal until the entire judicial review process to challenge the Chief Justice’s ruling is exhausted to the fullest. This appears inconsistent with the earlier statement made following the 10 January 2019 meeting with the Opposition Leader that the Government would respect the ruling of the Speaker of the National Assembly while at the same time seek a judicial review of his ruling. We interpret the latter statement to mean that the Administration would adhere to the requirement to hold elections by 21 March 2019 (or such later date as approved by two-thirds of votes of the members of the National Assembly), unless within this timeframe the Court rules that the no confidence vote is invalid.
The President has now chosen to ignore not only Articles 106(6) and 106(7) requiring him and his Cabinet to resign and to hold elections within three months but also the decision of the Chief Justice to disallow an application for a stay of her decision and a conservatory order for the Government to remain in office.