Dear Editor,
The recent local government elections, despite a relatively low voter turnout, have demonstrated in no uncertain terms that voting behaviour remains basically the same with the two main parties, namely the PPP/C and the APNU+AFC dominating the electoral space.
The PPP/C from all indications has won an overwhelming majority of the NDCs which is an indication of the popularity the party enjoys among the masses, despite having lost executive power in the May 2015 regional and general elections. The APNU+AFC on the other hand has won a majority of the seats in the municipal elections, especially in Georgetown and Linden which traditionally have always supported the PNC.
The fact that the PPP/C has won an overwhelming majority of the constituencies across the country is indicative of the popular appeal of the party, especially in its traditional strongholds.
The fact that the PPP/C has improved on its showing at the polls in terms of the percentage of total votes cast in its favour means that it is still the dominant political party in the country.
The results of this local government elections are not dissimilar to those of the 1994 elections which came a mere two years after the historic general and regional elections of October 1992 after an absence of twenty-four years.
It is clear that the PPP/C has demonstrated superior organisational strength and energy on the ground. One can only hope that areas won by the PPP/C would benefit in equal measure from government support. The newly-enacted Fiscal Transfers Act should be implemented to enable NDCs regardless of who is in political control to have fair and equitable access to financial resources.
Yours faithfully,
Hydar Ally
