Collison v the Attorney General et al.

This is a case seeking declarations and orders related to the legal status and rights of political parties in Guyana. The applicant is Brian Collison. The respondents are the Attorney General of Guyana, Aubrey Norton as Leader of the People’s National Congress, the main opposition party in Guyana, and Bharat Jagdeo as General Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party, the governing party. The matter litigated in the High Court of Guyana.

Key Declarations Sought

The applicant seeks declarations that political parties are legal persons that can sue and be sued, own property, and transact business in their own name without needing to be incorporated. He also seeks declarations about the constitutional role of political parties and their obligation to use fair procedures in selecting election candidates.

The applicant requests orders restraining the respondents from infringing on party members’ constitutional rights, requiring the government to remove undue burdens on political parties’ freedom of action, and mandating fair candidate selection procedures.

Context

The application appears to be motivated by concerns about the legal status and internal governance of Guyana’s major political parties, particularly around candidate selection and financial/property rights. It seeks to clarify the constitutional position of parties and their obligations.

Significance

If upheld, this ruling would significantly clarify and strengthen the legal status of political parties in Guyana, with potential impacts on their internal governance, financial operations, and role in the electoral system.