WIN to take legal action over stalled Region 10 RDC elections

Oct 21, 2025 News

…accuses REO of violating law

(Kaieteur News) – The We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) party says it will move to the courts as Region 10’s Regional Executive Officer (REO) and Clerk of Council, Dwight John, has failed to resume and complete the lawful Regional Democratic Council (RDC) election of the Regional Chairman and Vice Chairman.

On October 12, WIN issued a 48-hour ultimatum, through attorney Siand Dhurjon demanding that the REO reconvene the RDC and complete the election process or face legal action. Region 10 RDC election held since October 10, ended in a tie with nine votes each, after which the REO suspended the proceedings and referred the matter to the Minister of Local Government, Priya Manickchand. WIN’s attorney described that move as “ultra vires, contrary to statute, arbitrary, unreasonable and otherwise illegal.”

In a statement issued on Monday, WIN said it has grown increasingly concerned over the REO’s failure to reconvene the RDC to conclude the election, which ended in a tie between WIN’s nominee, Mark Goring, and APNU’s Dominique Blair. The party contends that the Local Democratic Organs Act, Cap. 28:09, clearly outlines a process for second and third rounds of voting to break a tie, leaving no discretion for the Clerk to suspend the proceedings. “Despite the clear and mandatory procedures outlined under Section 20(6)(a) through (h) of the Act which provides for a second and, if necessary, a third round of voting to break a tie the Clerk has refused to resume the process, leaving Region 10 as the only administrative region in Guyana without an elected Chairman and Vice Chairman,” the party said.

WIN said it has already written to the REO, outlining the provisions of the law and urging immediate compliance. However, it said no response has been received. The party added that while it had given the Clerk ample time to act in good faith, it will now proceed with all lawful measures, including notifying the Minister of Local Government, GECOM, and the Attorney General’s Chambers, and initiating legal proceedings to compel him to fulfill his statutory duty.

The party noted that the REO’s inaction “represents not only a violation of statutory duty but also a denial of the democratic will of the people of Region 10, who freely elected WIN candidates to serve on the Council.”

The party underscored that democracy must never be held hostage by procedural defiance. It added that the people of Region 10 deserve full respect for their votes and proper representation through a lawfully elected chairman and vice chairman. WIN said it will, “Engage the public through community forums and press briefings to ensure transparency and awareness of the issue. Mobilise civic and community support in defence of democracy and the lawful representation of Region 10 residents.”

The party also reaffirmed its readiness to participate transparently in any lawful continuation of the process, noting that it stands firmly for accountability, good governance, and democratic integrity.

“The will of the people of Region 10 cannot be disregarded. The law is clear, the election process must continue until a Regional Chairman and Regional Vice Chairman are elected. WIN will not be deterred from defending the rule of law and the democratic rights of the citizens we represent,” the party said.

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Elections, legal action, RDC, Region 10, We Invest in Nationhood

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