Disappointing turnout for LGE

Nov 13, 2018 News

Waiting for something to do

Early results from yesterday’s Local Government Elections (LGE) had started to be declared by Returning Officers within two hours after polls closed at 6 p.m.

The Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) said that results from the 1676 polling stations will be fully known today.

Initial indication is that there was a steady stream of voters throughout the day, but never any significant build up, an indication that there was once again low voter turnout. There were two waves of voters – early in the morning and shortly before the polls closed.

In Georgetown, many voters complained that they only learnt of the contestants when they looked at the ballot. There was a yearning for independent candidates based on interaction with voters.

The process was said to be fairly smooth with pockets of allegations being made by the major political parties.

There were reports of picketing by associates of the People’s Progressive Party in the Whim/Bloomfield area, Region Six, while A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) had been accused of turning up at polling stations in Sophia in party paraphernalia.

GECOM is investigating these claims.

Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo and his wife, Mrs. Sita Nagamootoo cast their ballots at the National Aquatic Centre, Liliendaal while Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo cast his vote at St. John’s Secondary School.

“I feel there is a new consciousness arising in Guyana, a consciousness that is coming from bottom up, which is good for Guyana… which is good for the health of democracy, that more people at the grassroots are conscious of their responsibilities as citizens,” said Nagamootoo, who is performing the duties of Head of State in the absence of President Granger.

Meanwhile, in Linden, it was also for the most part disappointing.

At almost all the polling stations, across Linden, voters trickled in and out quietly. There were no lines of note.

In Christianburg, at both the community centre and Church Manse polling stations, at noon, except for polling and security personnel, there was hardly anyone in sight.

APNU Campaign Manager Valerie Adams-Yearwood, acknowledging that the turnout for LGE would not be as high as the National Elections, said that she nonetheless anticipated a higher turnout than in 2016.”

Member of Parliament, Jermaine Figueira, expressed delight that citizens were being afforded the opportunity to vote at LGE under the current administration.

“That constitutional right, was stymied for over 20 years, under the PPP,” Figuiera said.

PPP Campaign Manager Akanni Blair, reflecting on the low voter turnout, noted, “things are very slow and I don’t see it picking up…But I’m excited!”

Some have blamed the over two-decade absence of LGE’s as being responsible for the lackadaisical attitude displayed by many towards casting their ballots.

In 2016, there was also low voter turnout.

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