Dual citizens not eligible for Parliament – GECOM reminds

With Nomination Day for elections fast approaching, the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) is reminding political parties and independent candidates of the constitutional qualifications required for election to the National Assembly—particularly with regard to dual citizenship.

In a statement issued Sunday night, GECOM emphasised that only individuals who meet the specific constitutional criteria can be nominated or elected as Members of Parliament (MPs).

To qualify, a person must:
• Be a citizen of Guyana;
• Be at least 18 years old;
• Be registered as an elector;
• Be able to speak and read English well enough to take part in parliamentary proceedings.

Importantly, Article 155(1)(a) of the Constitution of Guyana states that:
“No person shall be qualified for election as a member of the National Assembly who is, by virtue of his or her own act, under any acknowledgment of allegiance, obedience or adherence to a foreign power or state.”

This provision explicitly disqualifies individuals holding dual citizenship from serving in the National Assembly. GECOM warns that any List of Candidates containing the name of a dual citizen would be deemed defective.

In addition, Article 155(1)(d) outlines further disqualifications for candidacy. Individuals holding or acting in certain public offices are not eligible, including:
• Judges of the Supreme Court of Judicature,
• Members of the Public Service Appellate Tribunal,
• Members of the Elections Commission, Judicial Service Commission, Public Service Commission, Teaching Service Commission, or Police Service Commission,
• The Director of Public Prosecutions,
• The Ombudsman, and
• The Auditor General.

GECOM is urging all election contestants to exercise due diligence when preparing their Lists of Candidates to ensure full compliance with constitutional requirements and to avoid the rejection of any lists on technical grounds.