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Foreign Office Minister, Tobias Ellwood, calls for the earliest possible resumption of Parliament as required by Guyana’s Constitution

Foreign Office Minister, Tobias Ellwood, calls for the earliest possible resumption of Parliament as required by Guyana’s Constitution and the Commonwealth Charter.

Mr Ellwood said:

“The UK Government views with concern the continued prorogation of Parliament by His Excellency President Ramotar and calls for its earliest possible resumption. Parliament is required by Guyana’s Constitution and the Commonwealth Charter, it provides the necessary checks and balances and enables citizens’ voices to be heard. The suspension of Parliament therefore means that an essential element of a functioning democracy has been put on hold.

“We also continue to have concerns that there have been no local elections for over 20 years, which is also contrary to the democratic principles of the Commonwealth Charter and Guyana’s own Constitution.

“The UK calls on all stakeholders to seek solutions to the political and socio-economic challenges facing Guyana so that the country can develop in a fair, democratic and equitable way.”