Constitutional, electoral reforms needed for inclusive, accountable governance

Carter Center observers during a polling station visit in Guyana on May 11, 2015. Its deployment here marked the Center’s 100th observation mission. (Carter Center photo)

Saying that Guyana’s leaders “must encourage healing and reconciliation,” the Carter Center has urged reforms to the constitution and the election laws to ensure “more inclusivity and accountability” in the country’s system of governance.

Among its recommendations is that government re-evaluate the electoral system to consider measures, such as allowing independent candidates and ensuring constituency seats are reflective of a voting district’s population, which it says would promote support across ethnic lines and better reflect international standards.