APNU leader challenges constitutionality of TSC appointments

APNU House Leader Terrence Campbell

APNU Parliamentary Leader and opposition Member of Parliament Terrence Campbell filed a Fixed Date Application for Judicial Review and Constitutional Relief in the High Court on Tuesday, challenging the constitutionality of recent appointments to the Teaching Service Commission (TSC) by President Irfaan Ali.
Campbell argues that the appointments of three members to the TSC were made without “meaningful consultation” with the Leader of the Opposition, as required under Article 207(2)(d) of the Constitution. He contends that the absence of a Leader of the Opposition does not give the President authority to bypass this constitutional safeguard.

In his application, Campbell said the appointments undermine democratic principles, contravene the constitutional framework, and violate previously declared government policy on Service Commission appointments. He is seeking to have the appointments quashed, stressing that the suit is in the public interest to protect parliamentary participation and uphold constitutional safeguards.
Campbell noted that the vacancy in the Leader of the Opposition position has persisted without intervention from parliamentary authorities, including the President and Speaker, and argued that this does not excuse the President from consulting the opposition as required by law.