Local Government Elections

guyana chronicle editorial

IT’S been 21 long years since Guyana held Local Government Elections. That’s a long time. During that time, we have had five general elections and six sitting Presidents. When one takes into consideration that prior to 1994 the country did not have Local Government Elections for 24 years, it must be concluded that we have a problem. When the PPP was in Opposition, it correctly hammered the then PNC Government for not holding Local Government Elections. But when it took the seat of power, it proceeded to do exactly what it had criticised the previous Government for. So, it was refreshing to hear the new Minister of Communities declare that he intends to hold Local Government Elections by November. What was not refreshing was the PPP’s rebuttal that it did not think those elections could be held so early. This, of course, followed its earlier declaration that it would not contest another election while GECOM is under the chairmanship of Dr. Steve Surujbally. GECOM, or at least some of its commissioners, has indicated that the elections could be held by November. We feel that Local Government Elections are long overdue and should be held as soon as possible. The country’s democratic process should not be held hostage by the PPP’s antics. Local democracy is the heart of our democratic system. It is the level of government that is closest to the people. If Local Government is dysfunctional, then our democracy suffers. There is no doubt that our communities are in a serious state of disrepair. Nothing much gets done. Allegations of corruption are rife. Councillors behave like little gods in the communities. Citizens complain of being bullied and discriminated against. Communal lands are leased without even a hint of consultation. Neighbourhood Councils are generally not representative of all the communities in their jurisdictions. Most of the councillors elected in 1994 are no longer on the councils. It means, therefore, that most of the current councillors are unelected. In many cases, the previous Government installed IMC’s which are staffed by handpicked councillors. This has resulted in a loss of public confidence in these Local Government bodies. This loss of confidence could be an important factor at the impending elections. Many people may not be inclined to go the polls, which in turn defeats the purpose of democratic renewal. An effective democracy is premised on wide participation of the electorate. In this regard, the Ministry of Communities, GECOM and other NGO’s have a lot of work to do in educating the populace about the importance of local democracy. An entire generation knows very little about this area of our political process. And those who know would have to be convinced that their participation would have meaning. As was the case at the last elections in 1994, the issue of who contests these elections would loom large. Would political parties take a backseat again and allow Citizens Groups to contest? This is a crucial question. Political parties’ participation would surely ensure increased turn out. But their presence would invariably lead to acrimony. On the other hand, Citizens Groups would be hard pressed to excite the electorate on their own. Perhaps a hybrid arrangement whereby slates comprise a combination of parties and Citizens Groups could be a compromise. But whatever permutation is arrived at, the elections should not be delayed.