Dear Editor,
The government’s assertion of its preparedness for local government elections ought not to be the only determinant of the nation’s readiness for those elections.
I will not dispute the fact that many of our local democratic organs have proven to be unable to deliver continuously and efficiently the range and quality of services which residents seek and which these local authorities ought to be delivering. But may I hasten to add that while I concede that local government is needed for the effective and efficient management of the affairs of our villages, communities and country, and while I accept that local government elections would no doubt provide opportunity for the replenishment of councils and the “imbuing of fresh blood with fresh ideas” which are necessary if our community leaders are to successfully face and address the challenges to development that daily beset us as a society I, like thousands of other Guyanese, reemphasize the importance of adequate preparations for such elections so that no one is deliberately disenfranchised. And may I add that adequate preparations must not satisfy the expectations of government only, but a number of major players and participants also, including Gecom itself, political parties, candidates and voters, many of whom have never had the opportunity to vote at these elections before.
Here, the PPP’s concern has to do with the electoral process and Gecom’s willingness and ability to take such adequate and timely steps as are necessary to ensure that the process is not compromised.
These steps, many of which are fraught with geographic and logistical challenges include but are not limited to: (a) delineation with accuracy of the boundaries of the 585 constituencies and providing accurate lists of electors for each of these constituencies. In this regard, physical verification is required in the communities. Recall that the many housing schemes established by the PPP/C government have resulted in the change of land mass and population in many NDCs across Guyana; (b) amendments to some sections of the relevant legislation, re the conduct of local government elections. These were apparently recently addressed in some measure in the Parliament; (c) civic and voter education for voters and candidates. I do recall Gecom’s Chairman, Dr Surujbally remarking that “this is a brand new election: a new process and we ought not to rush into it.”
Gecom has got to get it right; moreso, since it would have taken some years waiting and at high cost. Furthermore, I do not recall Gecom’s CEO Mr Keith Lowenfield publicly pronouncing, as of late, on Gecom’s readiness to have these elections before the end of 2015.
Adequate administrative and logistical arrangements must be in place if we are to have efficient, free, fair and transparent local government elections. These must include transparency in staff recruitment and consequent comprehensive staff training. Be reminded also that Gecom has frequently assured that though it has a work plan to facilitate the holding of local government elections when these are called by the Minister; it needs six months’ notice to operationalize that plan.
Though the Minister of Communities has made this call, most right-thinking Guyanese view this call as a public expression of the APNU+AFC obvious eagerness to be seen as fulfilling one of the 21 commitments it made to the Guyanese public in their 2015 elections campaign. It is obviously part of the 100 day plan. Matters to do with the adequacy of preparation for these elections are no doubt secondary for the Minister and the government of which he is a part. But for us in the PPP the adequacy of preparation for LGE is important.
The PPP/C’s position is that the holding of local government elections and its timing are a function not only of the readiness of the government, but also the readiness of Gecom to execute the duties and responsibilities that are a sine qua non for fair and free elections. It is also a function of the public education and awareness of the political parties, groups and individuals who would wish to contest these elections whether in a system of first-past-the-post (FPTP) or proportional representation (PR), in addition to the voters. They are an important part of the process. Otherwise the huge investment in the activities that include preparation for the holding of the poll and the counting and declaration of results would be a wasted investment of public funds.
Note that there is a new local government voting system ‒ a mixed electoral system of PR and FPTP. 50% of the number of councillors of each local authority area will be elected through the PR component and the other 50% through FPTP or the constituency component. Only voluntary groups or political parties can contest the PR aspect of LGE. People must know.
We want as many persons as possible to cast their votes. We make a mockery of true democracy if a significant number of eligible voters do not vote. We need to ensure that all who are eligible to vote are properly registered to do so and furthermore, that they understand where and how to exercise their franchise. Moreover, a significant number of those eligible to vote at the upcoming LGE will be young people, most of whom have never voted at LGE before now but have always celebrated Christmas. Coming so soon after the 2015 general and regional elections, where will the mass of young people place their priorities if they are not properly prepared: local government elections or Christmas? Recall the 1994 LGE where a mere 32% of eligible voters cast their votes. Is this what we want? I think not.
The PPP has continuously and publicly extended a hand of cooperation to work with all the parties to ensure adequate preparation for LGE. Such an approach would ensure large voter turnout and acceptable results welcomed by all Guyanese.
Yours faithfully,
Norman Whittaker
