ATTORNEY General Anil Nandlall yesterday told the opposition Parliamentarians that the Parliament conduct in the composition of the committees does not take into account over 26,000 votes. This announcement was made at the hearing of the A.G’s motion after the Chief Justice disclosed that the court had jurisdiction to determine whether or not the Constitution had been violated.
The court ruled that it has jurisdiction to receive the proceedings and to give judgment in order to determine whether or not the Constitution has been violated.
In other words, he said the court has considered the submissions made by the lawyers for the opposition.
Already the court offered the lawyers time to consider whether or not they want to file an affidavit in answer. Some said that they would have to discuss the matter; others said they would not. They have until tomorrow to make their choice
The Chief Justice told them that  if they decide not to file the affidavit in answer, then the court will proceed to hear the matter on its merit.
The lawyers for Mr. Trotman, the Speaker and head of his Party’s list, indicated that they need time to consult whether or not they will or will not file an affidavit, and the  lawyers for APNU’s Mr. Granger  indicated that they need time to consult on whether they will or will not file an affidavit.
The court adjourned the matter to Wednesday when the opposition will indicate what course they will adopt.
In his argument, the Attorney General cited cases from the Cayman Islands, Gambia, Ireland, Australia, England, Belize and the Caribbean Court of Justice.
Those cases explained, he said, the role of the Attorneys General in situations similar to Guyana, showing   that the Attorney General is the protector of the local interest, and the Constitution.
He noted that he has a right to access the High Court to complain about any matter in which the Constitution is breached or in any matter where the organ of State is acting improperly.
In this case, the complaint is about parliament conduct in relation to the composition of committees, where over 26,000 votes, are not taken into account.
That, he said, is violating the principle of proportionality which the Constitution embraces and gives the Attorney General the right to approach the court.