Preparations underway for holding local government elections
PREPARATIONS in respect to holding local government elections are underway, and a suitable time is actively being considered, but a direct date has not yet been finalized. Local Government and Regional Development Minister, Ganga Persaud, told a press conference Friday at the LGRD Ministry’s boardroom in Kingston, Georgetown that, at the level of the LGRD Ministry and the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), he is quite satisfied with the progress and preparations made thus far.
He outlined that in enhancing community relationship, a good relationship with the clientele and stakeholders is vital at this point in time.
He underscored the necessity to positively reach out to residents and communicate with them in an effective manner in regard to local government elections, noting that staffers of the LGRD Ministry have been trained and have familiarized themselves with the system, so they are more aware of the processes and dealings.
Minister Persaud said that at a recently concluded retreat for the staff of the LGRD Ministry, the local government bills were examined and discussed in order to acquaint the staff with their details and contents.
The minister also lauded the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) for the effort it has been placing on public awareness and promoting local government elections. He acknowledged the PPP’s assistance in regard to holding local government elections, saying that party has been playing a very significant part in the development and process of the elections.
Additionally, Minister Persaud is urging the political parties involved in those elections to ensure that their developments are consistent in keeping with the law. He noted that it is important to work on this while making plans and preparations for the event, as persons are often carried away at certain times and the laws are consequently broken.
When contacted, a senior GECOM official indicated that preparations are rapidly advancing to ensure proper holding of local government elections. He disclosed that the commission has not yet received a set date for the election to be held, as that is the decision of the LGRD Ministry and senior stakeholders and political parties.
He said that GECOM does not deal with dates, but rather just the election preparation; and after preparations are completed, the date for holding the elections would be released by the relevant authorities.
Mars looking for you
