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APNU making steady progress on Local Government campaign trails

Apr 26, 2014 News

Despite the uncertainty surrounding the possibility of Local Government elections being held this year, the main political opposition coalition, A Partnership for National Unity, (APNU) is forging ahead with its campaigns.
Speaking with this newspaper yesterday, APNU’s Public Relations Officer, Mark Archer, said that the group has been making steady progress on its campaign trail.
Archer said that A Partnership for National Unity has covered virtually all the constituents earmarked for the campaign.
“We have visited Paramakatoi, Port Kaituma, Pomeroon, Mahdia, Bartica, Wakenaam and other places in the Essequibo Region. We have been talking to residents of communities across Guyana about the elections, to ensure that they have a clear understanding of what to expect and what is expected of them.
“On our next trip, we will be heading to Region Five— Belladrum, Moleson Creek, and the upper Corentyne area.”
However, regardless of the improbability of an election, within the coming months, Archer says that the party will continue with its community outreach projects and campaign exercises.
“It is on our main agenda, whether the elections are held or not, that the people are adequately enlightened about current issues. We are anxiously awaiting the announcement of the date for the elections, since it is something that is needed and long overdue.
“However, we want the people to know that we want to hear their concerns, so that we can better represent them at the level of the National Assembly,” he explained.
On Tuesday, Minister within the Local Government Ministry, Norman Whittaker noted that while he is unable to say when the local polls would be held, it is the government’s position to ensure that citizens are fully educated in regards, to the voting process before the elections could be held.
Minister Whittaker told media operatives, during a press briefing, that he is unsure whether it is possible that Local Government Elections could be held by August 1, 2014, as requested by the opposition parties.
The Minister explained that the holding of local polls is a “political decision and fixing a date for such an election is not a unilateral decision but the Act requires the administrative involvement of the Government.
Minister Whittaker said that much time was spent engaging the Regional Executive Officers (REOs) and Deputy REOs to ensure that the various regions are prepared for elections.
“We have been using this time, to educate citizens of the various municipalities about the important pieces of legislation, such as Fiscal Transfer Act and Municipal Council and District Amendment Act.”
He explained also, that a lot of emphasis has been placed on increasing voter preparedness.
“When we go to the villages, we don’t ask the people which party you belong to, or whether you are interested in Local Government Elections, we do voter education in those areas.”
The government, led by the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) has already stated that it will not support the Opposition’s request to hold Local Government Elections by August 1, 2014.
The party’s General Secretary and Minister of Home Affairs, Clement Rohee, menioned that the power to decide the readiness for such elections, rests with GECOM.

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