Americas > South America > Guyana > Local government elections to resume in Guyana after two-decade break

Guyana: Local government elections to resume in Guyana after two-decade break

2015/11/27

Local government elections will be held on March 18 next year, ending a 21-year hiatus. In making the announcement, Minister of Communities Ronald Bulkan said all local government system is rotten and was in dire need of democratic renewal.

“We will be making a break with the ways of the completed; the new leaders will not just replace the old ones. The new, democratically elected officials will be empowered according to law, and they will be expected to perform their decision-making roles, according to law. They will not be subject to domination and control by central government,” he said during a press briefing this morning.

Bulkan said his government was delivering on its promise to hold the poll, constitutionally due each three years, at the before possible date.

He urged electors not to remain away from the polls, but to vote in an informed manner.

“I invite everyone to ponder on these significant matters which will determine Guyana’s direction of development for the next three years. Inform yourselves of what each candidate has to offer – listen to all of them – again, cast your ballot based on the issues. Let us put the completed behind us and move forward to a better life for all residents within our respective communities,” he urged.

The minister assured that the Guyana Elections Commission currently has a work plan that provides for the rolling-out of an aggressive and intensive voter education programme.

And he confirmed that sufficient funding has been provided to the elections’ body for the holding of all activities pertaining to these elections.

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