Article 4 Leader of the Opposition

The following new section is inserted in the Constitution after section 24.

“Leader of the Opposition

24A.

(1)

The Governor shall appoint as the Leader of the Opposition—

(a)

the elected member of the Legislative Assembly who, in the opinion of the Governor, is the leader in the Assembly of any opposition party whose numerical strength in the Assembly is greater than that of any other opposition party; or

(b)

if it appears to the Governor that there is no such party but an elected member of the Assembly would be acceptable as Leader of the Opposition to a majority of the members of the Assembly in opposition to the Government, that member.

(2)

Whenever the office of Leader of the Opposition is vacant by reason of the fact that the Governor is of the opinion that there is no member of the Assembly whom he can appoint thereto in accordance with subsection (1) of this section, the functions conferred on the Governor by section 28A(2)(c) and (5)(c) of this Constitution shall be exercised by him in accordance with such advice as may be given to him jointly by the leaders in the Assembly of the opposition parties whose numerical strength in the Assembly is greatest.

(3)

The Leader of the Opposition shall vacate his office if the Governor, acting in his discretion, revokes his appointment on the ground that he is about to appoint another person as Leader of the Opposition in accordance with subsection (1) of this section.

(4)

In this section “opposition party” includes a group of members of the Assembly in opposition to the Government who are prepared to support one of their number as their leader.”.