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What is the local govt. system? How does it work?

Mar 06, 2016 APNU Column, Features / Columnists

Following the announcement of the date of local government elections (LGE) by Minister of Communities Ronald Bulkan, this column has been almost totally dedicated to educating the public about LGE.
In previous articles we have shown how local government is essential for democratic governance. We have proven, too, the logical and causal link between strong local government organs and human development. Today, we examine the system itself; how local government is constructed.
The system of local government is described and defined by law. Articles 12, 13, 74 and 75 of the Constitution define the role of local government. The Local Democratic Organs Act, Cap 28:09 describes the system, and other Acts govern aspects of local government.
Currently, local government is composed of 62 Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs) and nine municipalities or towns. Each municipality or NDC is divided into a particular number of constituencies. Each municipality or NDC is led by a council called a local government organ.
The number of councillors is two times the number of constituencies. For example, the municipality of Georgetown has fifteen constituencies, therefore, it has thirty councillors. The NDC of Ramsburg/Eccles has nine constituencies, it therefore has eighteen councillors. Councillors are chosen by the people in local government elections. Half of the number of councillors are chosen from a Constituency List and half, from a Proportional Representation List. So, what does this mean?
Candidates contesting in local government elections can run on a Constituency List or on a Proportional Representation (PR) List. Candidates on the Constituency list are elected to the council on a first-past-the-post basis. This means that the candidate with the most votes wins in his or her constituency. Candidates on the PR list are elected by proportion. This means that the fraction of persons chosen from each list submitted by a political party or other group is the same as the fraction of voters who choose that political party or group.
For example, if the APNU+AFC submits a list of PR candidates to contest in Georgetown, and ninety percent of the ballots cast is for the APNU+AFC’s PR candidate, then, ninety percent of Georgetown’s PR councillors will come from the APNU+AFC’s PR list, etc.
The ballot paper will therefore have two parts, one part for a single constituency candidate and one part for a list from a political party or group. A voter can vote for a constituency candidate from one political party or group, and a PR candidate from the same political party or group, or, from a different party or group.
The APNU+AFC will be fielding candidates in local government elections on March 18, in most of Guyana’s 580 constituencies. The coalition will also contest LGE in a number of communities, by submitting lists in every municipality in almost all of the NDCs.
We encourage you to turn out in your numbers on that day, and vote solidly for the APNU+AFC. Our symbol is the key with the palm of a hand. Our colours are green and yellow. We urge voters to choose unity instead of division. We ask you to vote for a better life for all, instead of poverty and despair. We exhort Guyanese to opt for clean surroundings, better services, responsible government and an end to corruption.
We ask you to vote for the APNU+AFC’s constituency candidate as well as our PR list of candidates. You will have two votes on your ballot paper. For a better life, both of those votes should be for the APNU+AFC.
Guyanese deserve a better life. It is up to you to choose a brighter future.
Remember that strong local government is the gateway to a good life and the vehicle to clean and safe communities.

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