The recent consultation process between President Ali and Opposition Leader Norton commenced on May 13 and was adjourned for the President to provide the CVs of the nominees. Mr. Norton also requested the grounds on which the nominees were selected. The President indicated that the meeting will be reconvened within a week. But it was not until May 27 that Mr. Norton was invited to a meeting with the President on May 30. Mr. Norton did not reply and did not attend the meeting. President Ali proceeded to make the appointments.
Mr. Norton explained to the public that he had other commitments on May 30, but that in any event, President Ali had violated his promise to meet within a week and did not supply the grounds for the nominations that he had requested. Mr. Norton did not explain his reason for not replying to the letter of invitation of May 27 but accused President Ali of being disrespectful in not convening the meeting within a week as he had promised.