APNU+AFC still to tell GECOM when it wants local government elections
Friday , October 16 2015, Source
TALK of having Bartica, Lethem, Mahdia and Mabaruma being made into townships have consequences for the promised Local Government Elections (LGE), according to a top official at the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM). Given the status quo GECOM, which has already started preparations for LGE, is looking at a March 2016 date. This would include six municipalities (townships) and the 71 Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs).
Notably, the A Partnership for National Unity and Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) administration hinted could be held by December 2015. However, the GECOM source made clear that an election before the end of 2015 may not be possible.
However, the GECOM official told Citizens’ Report that if the four areas are to be made towns, elections will be pushed back by months to later in 2016.
The official did say that there could be two sets of elections, one given the status quo, and another in the areas that are made into towns. However, the questions of costs and other important factors, such as demarcation of areas and voters’ lists are also major considerations.
“We are waiting to find out what they (APNU+AFC) want,” the GECOM source said.
The stated considerations do not include the calls from the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) for major reforms, including the resignation of GECOM Chairman, Dr Steve Surujbally. Now cast in the role of the political opposition, the former PPP/C administration has challenged the results of the May 2015 General and Regional Elections and the matter is currently before the High Court, at the stage of preliminary hearings.
The Local Authorities (Elections) (Amendment) Bill 2015 law was passed, despite concerns expressed by the PPP/C that it ought not have been rushed through the House. Concerns were expressed about the provisions included in the law. Nonetheless, it was passed through the House by a government majority.
In the meantime, Communities Minister Ronald Bulkan, is said to have last met with GECOM last Tuesday.
Local government elections have not been held in Guyana since 1994. Prior to that, local government elections were last held in 1970. Subsequent to 1994, the elections could not be conducted because of the coincidence with the General and Regional Elections of 1997.
