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Local Government elections postponed for 12th time

Dec 04, 2010 News

…I decline to take part in this charade-Franklin

The National Assembly yesterday debated and approved what was described as becoming an annual tradition where for the 12th time legislation was approved to delay the Local Government Elections. These elections were last held in 1994.
The Local Authorities (Amendment) Bill was piloted by Minister Kellawan Lall who told the House that they are called upon once again to postpone the elections and it is very unfortunate and not something they wished for but is due to several lamentable factors.
He said that an extra-parliamentary forum has been established to deal with the many concerns still to be addressed even with the legislation that has already been passed.
The Minister said that they are keen to have the next local government elections under the reformed conditions
Basil Williams of the People’s National Congress Reform in his presentation first of all jokingly made reference to a statement made by the Speaker of the House last year when he suggested that they just play the recordings from the previous year’s debate and then vote, given that the same thing is said year after year.
“We are here again on this annual pilgrimage,” was Williams’s opening statement.
He said that in the past it was acceptable to postpone so that the Elections Commission could implement the reforms, given that the reforms are to be given greater autonomy to local organs.
Williams also stated that the establishment of the local Government Commission was also critical.
“As time went by it became unfortunate because of the dilatoriness” on the part of the Government which he said “messed with work of the task force.”
He suggested that Clinton Collymore give Cabinet the jurisdiction to do the reforms and then the President gave it to a Parliamentary Special Select Committee.
He said there are three Bills that should have been taken to House as a package but it is languishing on the Order.
Williams drew reference to the fact that next year there is the constitutionally mandated General Elections which will supersede the Local Government Elections.
Housing and Water Minister, Irfaan Ally, in his presentation said that administration is committed to ensuring good governance pointing out that “it is us that reintroduced Local Government Elections…(it) is a critical move to empower leaders at the different levels.”
He too pointed out that the country is faced with national elections next year, which must be put into equation. “It is not fair to say that the Government stalled the process.”
Speaking to the fact that the opposition wants all five of the Bills to go to the House as a package, “We have to look at that reasonable if we want it (elections) as soon as possible”
Alliance for Change Member of Parliament David Patterson said that the debate is now akin to budget debate, “we know for sure it will come up annually.”
He said that the AFC lays the blame for the delay squarely at the feet of Government. He pointed to last year in what now seems to be a farce when the administration rushed two of the Bills through Parliament.
Patterson said that he heard the Minister say that there has been some success in committee but the last meet was held a year ago.
He said that they spent eight years at the task force level and now has been in special select committee for 18 months and now they are on to extra parliamentary forum.
“I decline to take part in this charade,” said Everall Franklin when it was his turn to speak and took his seat.
The Local Government Elections are due every four years.

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