(Kaieteur News) – The A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) is calling for urgent reform of the quorum rules governing the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), noting that deliberate absenteeism is undermining parliament’s ability to hold government accountable.

Member of Parliament Juretha Fernandes said the current arrangements have allowed sittings of the committee to be stalled when members fail to attend, weakening one of parliament’s key oversight bodies.

Fernandes recalled that the issue dates back to April 13, 2022, when changes were made to the quorum requirements in the National Assembly. She noted that at the time, the then opposition APNU/AFC had protested the amendment, both inside and outside the House, warning that it could be used to obstruct the committee’s work.