Govt’s blunder on LGE

… legislation will have to be further amended

Government will now have to return to the National Assembly in the ‘wrong’ with regards to their precipitate announcement of Local Government Elections (LGE) being held this year, to seek a further extension of the date for holding the LGE. This is according to the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) who deemed the situation as evidence of the “poor leadership and foresight” on the part of the Government.

According to a press statement issued by the Opposition Party on Tuesday, with the Guyana Election Commission (GECOM) disclosing that LGEs would not be possible on December 7, 2015, the Government will now have to return to the National Assembly to further amend the Local Authorities (Elections) (Amendment) Bill 2015 so that a new date for the election can be named.

Guyana Times was reminded that during the recent debate on the Local Authorities (Elections) (Amendment) Act 2015, the PPP/C advised that based on the time available, the elections were not possible for 2015. However, this advice, they said fell on deaf ears.

“Minister of Communities Ronald Bulkan in his usual illusory disposition declared that the election will and must be held by the end of 2015, which to our mind was merely a political gimmick to fulfil [A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change] APNU/AFC’s “first hundred days” commitment. One would recall in 2014, the APNU/AFC in Opposition,  used its one-seat dictatorship in the National Assembly  to amend the Local Authorities (Elections) (Amendment) Bill  to provide for the holding of Local Government Elections by August 1, 2014, despite being advised from the PPP/C Administration that it was not possible,” the PPP/C stated.

The Opposition explained that in November, 2014, People’s National Congress Reform GECOM Commissioner Vincent Alexander, has stated that the Elections Commission had said it needed six months to ‘deal with elections.’

Guyana Times was told that the calculation of these six months commence when the Administration says it wants LGE. “Based on Alexander’s calculations, Local Government Elections can be held in May of 2016. The PPP/C maintains its position that GECOM finalise the boundaries of each of the 71 NDC’s and to ensure that the electors in each of the legally demarcated NDC’s are properly registered to vote. In addition, there are certain non-assented bills that must be brought back to the National Assembly for passage,” the press release said.

This newspaper was told that there is also the preparation of over 500 digital ballot papers for each of the six municipalities that must be printed as well as those for the seventy one Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs).

According to the Opposition Party, all of this is contingent on information provided to GECOM with regards to the candidates contesting the elections in the municipalities and the NDCs.

Guyana Times was further told that the PPP/C categorically states that it is ready to contest these elections as provided for in the new laws. However, it has reiterated its position in relation to contesting any elections with Dr Steve Surujbally still ensconced as Chairman of GECOM.

The PPP/C maintains that Dr Surujbally “cannot be trusted.”

“Consideration must also be given to the fact that an Elections Petition initiated by the PPP/C is soon to be heard in the High Court. The Petition calls for a number of irregularities to be remedied before another election is held in Guyana. This is a legitimate expectation of the people,” said the Party.

Additionally, certain reforms at GECOM are being demanded by the former Government.

It must be noted that the PPP/C has demanded the replacement of the current “disgraced” Chairman, a total revamp of the machinery of GECOM starting with recruitment of its key and critical staff, and that the Secretariat must come under the purview and command of Commissioners.

This publication further understands that added to the list of demands by the Opposition are that the polling day staff to be publicly vetted and the Returning Officers, Deputy Returning Officers and Presiding Officers be acceptable to the Commission and its Commissioners.

“And the rules under which they conduct their duties must be reviewed and agreed upon by Law. Finally, there must be some internationalisation of the key and critical posts in GECOM’s operational arrangements,” the statement added. (kristenm@guyanatimesgy.com)