Guyana

Politics

Main article: Politics of Guyana

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Legislative power rests in the unicameral Guyanese parliament, the National Assembly, with 53 members chosen on the basis of proportional representation from national lists named by the political parties. An additional 12 members are elected by regional councils at the same time as the National Assembly.

Related Topics:
Legislative - Unicameral - Parliament - Proportional representation

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Executive authority is exercised by the president, who appoints and supervises the prime minister and other ministers. The president is not directly elected; each party presenting a slate of candidates for the assembly must designate in advance a leader who will become president if that party receives the largest number of votes. Any dissolution of the assembly and election of a new assembly can lead to a change in the assembly majority and consequently a change in the presidency.

Related Topics:
Executive - President - Prime minister

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The highest judicial body is the Court of Appeal, headed by a chancellor of the judiciary. The second level is the High Court, presided over by a chief justice. The chancellor and the chief justice are appointed by the president.

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Guyana is a full and participating member of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).

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Leaders

• Cheddi Jagan 1957 - 1964, 1992 - 1997
• Arthur Chung 1970 - 1980
• Forbes Burnham 1966 - 1985
• Desmond Hoyte 1985 - 1992
• Sam Hinds March 6, 1997 - Dec 19, 1997
• Janet Jagan 1997 - 1999
• Bharrat Jagdeo 1999 - Present