Final Local Govt Bill gets stormy passage

By Kiana Wilburg

There was much hullabaloo yesterday in the National Assembly over the Local Authorities (Elections) Amendment Bill but it was nonetheless passed. This Bill paves the way for the holding of Local Government Elections after two decades.

The business of the House saw Government’s side of the House moving a motion for the Bill to be laid, debated and passed in a single session. The opposition, however, opposed the motion.

It argued at length that Government was acting in a whimsical manner. It contended that the Bill which came with 22 amendments should be sent to a special select committee where each amendment can be properly scrutinized and perhaps strengthened.

Specifically, Opposition member, Bishop Juan Edghill spoke for almost 30 minutes on this matter. Edghill emphasized that due process must be given to such an important Bill in the House. The amendments are not negligible but of a significant nature, he said.

He said that his members in the opposition’s camp had a very short time to consider the Bill. He contended that according to the norms and practices of the House, there is supposed to be at least six days notice when Bills are going to be brought to the House. He said that the Government went against the spirit of parliamentary practice.

The politician said that time must be given to examine the amendments to see if they complement existing laws or contradict them.

The former Junior Finance Minister appealed to the government benches that should they rush the process of this Bill, then it would affect the quality of the parliamentary debates. He said, too, that government’s actions are dangerous for democracy.

But Minster of Governance, Raphael Trotman felt it necessary to remind his colleagues that the people have waited long enough for Local Government Elections and nothing should have them waiting further.

Trotman said that there should not be any more postponement or handing power over to the people. He asserted that the opposition’s actions are nothing but “delaying tactics and theatrics because the cameras are on.”

“Bills came to this House in 48 hours because of their nature and members dealt with them. I know that the opposition is quite capable of dealing with this Bill… So let’s get on with the business of the House.”

Minster of Communities, Ronald Bulkan, told the House that the Bill and its amendments represent extensive discussions which took place with the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM).

Bulkan also stated that the Bill seeks to make over 20 amendments while inserting a new section to the Act. He said that collectively, they clear the way for the holding of Local Government Elections.

He said, “The debates on this have been extensive and exhaustive and I have participated in eight such debates in the Parliament. This Bill will hand over power to the people. If we acquiesce to Edghill’s argument it would create further delay of these elections.

The people would not be kind to us with any further delay and in denying them their right to enjoying local democracy. We reject the notion that we are being insensitive on this matter.”

The Minister of Communities then explained some of the proposed amendments to the Bill.

He said that the changes include more definitive explanations for the meaning of election officer and identification card.

The amendments however, did not sit well with Former Minister of Local Government, Ganga Persaud, who contended that they could be improved.

He told the House that the government side has adopted a posture of fast tracking everything irrespective of the nature and importance of the business.

He said that this very important Bill is being placed at the sacrificial altar of expediency.

Mr Persaud pleaded for his colleagues to be guided by wisdom and send the Bill to a special select committee as the opposition is prepared to burn the midnight oil to do it the right way.

He then proceeded to cite some of his concerns with the amendments of the Bill.

“The Bill before us is seeking to have Nominations Day 50 days before Elections Day instead of the 21 days as stated in the Principal Act.

This raises questions such as “Who decided to give the Elections Commission 10 extra days”? What’s the rationale behind such a move? Who will benefit and what would be the benefits? Among others.”

The former Minister continued, “Nomination Day for General and Regional Elections is not later than 32 days before “E” Day unlike Local Government Elections which will not be held in all parts of Guyana, yet we are asking for 50 Days.

“We cannot support such an amendment but will reluctantly agree with the 40 days as requested by GECOM.”

The opposition parliamentarian recalled that several members on the government side proudly and publicly expressed confidence that Local Government Elections will be held not later than December 7, 2015.

“Let’s assume that the Bill is passed today, September 9, it means that Political Parties, Groups and Individuals have less than 16 days to apply for Symbol to GECOM.”

Persaud then questioned whether government is serious about holding Local Government Elections before December 7. He told his colleagues that the December 7 deadline is stated in the Law   which clearly speaks that Local Government Elections must be held not later than the first Monday in December.

He opined that the Bill and some of its contents fly in the face of transparency, democracy and inclusivity which he said are all necessary components of Local Government Elections.

There were other speakers from the opposition’s camp who asked for the Bill to be sent to a select committee with other members of the government’s side appealing that there should be no more delay.