The Office of Leader of the Opposition, David Granger has released a letter sent to President Donald Ramotar today calling on him to name a date for local government elections by September 15th 2014 failing which action will be taken to mobilise local and international support in defence of local democracy.
The PPP/C government has withheld local government polls for the last year or so without providing consistent and clear reasoning. Analysts have argued that the PPP/C is unwilling to risk a heavy defeat at local government polls prior to general elections.
Granger’s letter follows:
His Excellency Mr Donald Ramotar,
President of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana
Office of the President,
Vlissengen Road, Bourda, Georgetown
2014.09.09
Your Excellency,
Local Government Elections
We remind you that the Local Authorities (Elections) (Amendment) Bill, at its second reading on 2014.02.10, was debated and passed ‘As amended,’ directing that elections be held on or before 1st August 2014.
We remind you also, that, in accordance with the Constitution of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana, “Local government is a vital aspect of democracy.” Local government elections, last held in 1994, are a constitutional obligation and a democratic entitlement of the Guyanese people. It is not an option of the executive branch of government.
We remind you, further, that you had promised in the People’s Progressive Party Civic Manifesto ― Working Together for a Better Tomorrow – to ensure that: “within one year of the 2011 general elections, local government elections are held…”
We now call on you to respect the Constitution of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana; to respect the decision of the National Assembly with regard to the Local Authorities (Elections) (Amendment) Bill 2014; and to respect your manifesto ―Working Together for a Better Tomorrow.
We call on you, therefore, on or before Monday 2014.09.15, to announce the date for local government elections to be held countrywide; to issue the ‘Commencement Order’ to operationalise the Local Government Commission and to initiate a process by which the Local Government (Amendment) Bill could be returned for your assent.
We wish to advise that, failing an announcement by you that local government elections will be held and that these legitimate democratic conditions are met, we shall be obliged to take any lawful action to mobilise national and international support in defence of local democracy, the Constitution and the rights of the Guyanese people.
With highest regard,
David Granger, MSS, MP
Leader of the Opposition
