Local government a vital aspect of a working democracy

Local government a vital aspect of a working democracy – forum hears

Jun 12, 2014 News

The role of local government in a democratic system of governance was highlighted on Tuesday, as officials of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) sought to enlighten members of the public on aspects of the electoral process.
Speaking at an informative forum hosted by the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce

Participants of the GCCI forum on Tuesday

and Industry (GCCI) at the Pegasus Hotel, opposition nominated Commissioner of GECOM, Vincent Alexander, reminded the gathering that local government should not exist at the discretion of the government.
Alexander posited that Guyana is the only country in the English speaking Caribbean whose constitution provides for a local government.
“Local government is a vital aspect of democracy, which shall be organized so as to involve as many as possible at the task of managing and developing the communities in which they live…it therefore means that local government should not exist at the discretion or behest of the government…it is integral to development at the local level, in the spheres of decision making and implementation,” he said.
Mr. Alexander underlined the fact that the electoral process should allow for the people’s involvement in the developmental process of the country.
“A local government system, which allows the people to elect their representatives, allows for the people to contribute to the development of their country…The constitution also stipulates that local government bodies should be maintained.”
In this regard, Alexander noted that a functioning local government system allows for citizens to elect representatives of various constituents every three years, which is a specified period outlined by law.
“It is the responsibility of the Local Government Minister to announce a date for the elections and GECOM to make the necessary preparations which includes facilitation of a claims and objections period, preparing ballots, and identifying polling stations.”
In specific reference to the unaccented Local Government Amendment Bill, Alexander said the law indisputably provides for Parliament to give executive power to agencies other than the government.
The Bill was labeled as unconstitutional by President Donald Ramotar since it seeks to remove ministerial control over local authorities and place it in the hands of a Commission.
Expressing his view on the topic, Alexander stated, “Personally I see nothing wrong with the transfer of authority…I see no problem with powers being transferred from the Minister to the Commission.
He pointed out too that there are agencies other than the Cabinet that can have executive powers.
Meanwhile, Chief Elections Officer Keith Lowenfield explained that the local government elections will involve participants from the six municipalities and sixty-five Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs) in Guyana.
He stated that the participating municipalities and NDCs are divided into a number of constituents.
“In Georgetown alone there are fifteen constituents,” Lowenfield said, as he reiterated that announcing a date for local government elections is outside the ambit of GECOM.
“We don’t do that,” Lowenfield emphatically stated.
He explained that local government elections can be held once the Administration, through its subject Minister, gives the order.
GECOM, he said, is responsible for the preparation period for the elections.
When a date is given the election will be held under a mixed Proportional Representation and First Past the Post electoral system.
“Every week and every day we are working to ensure that staff members are trained in regards to laws and regulations, which governs the process of holding the elections.”