Latest update March 27th, 2026 12:40 AM
FGM concerned over Region 10’s REO’s failure to reconvene RDC elections
(Kaieteur News) – Forward Movement Guyana (FGM) has expressed concerns over the failure of Region 10’s Regional Executive Officer (REO) Dwight John to reconvene the meeting of the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) some 14 days after the meeting was adjourned.
Region 10’s Regional Executive Officer (REO), Dwight John
Region 10’s RDC elections for Regional Chairman held since October 10, ended in a tie with nine votes each for the We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) nominee, Mark Goring, and A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) nominee Dominique Blair. REO John had suspended the proceedings and referred the matter to the Minister of Local Government, Priya Manickchand.
WIN on October 12, issued a 48-hour ultimatum, through attorney Siand Dhurjon demanding that the REO reconvenes the RDC and completes the election process or face legal action. The party contends that the law provides for second and third round of voting to break a tie, leaving no discretion for the Clerk to suspend the proceedings.
However, John has not acted or called for the meeting to reconvene. In a statement on Friday, FGM said, “The people of Region 10 cannot wait any longer. Officials must reconvene the meeting immediately and carry out their duties faithfully, putting aside all delay and obstruction, and serving the people of Region 10 as the law and their mandate require.”
The party noted that this failure is not only unacceptable but also contrary to law. FGM cited Section 20(6)(a)–(g) of the Local Democratic Organs Act (Cap. 28:09), as amended by the Local Authorities (Elections) (Amendment) Act 2018, where there is a statutory mandate governing how the election of the RDC Chairman must proceed.
Leader of FGM, Amanza Walton-Desir
“The law explicitly removes any role for the Minister of Local Government and sets out a clear, step-by-step process including additional rounds of voting, numerical computation of councillor seat values, and, if all else fails, a public drawing by lot. The law is unambiguous: ministerial interference is neither required nor permitted. Yet here we are: a public official ignoring this law, and a government that claims to respect rules and process, while blatantly subverting both,” the party said.
FGM questioned the government’s silence on the matter and underscored that the people of Region 10 are left without lawful representation and the protection of the law.
The party contended that the REO’s failure to reconvene the RDC meeting is a stark reminder that democracy must be actively safeguarded. “Guyanese must understand that we cannot outsource the struggle for a just and equitable Guyana, this fight is ours and ours alone. We cannot wait for others to defend our rights; they too are busy trying to preserve theirs! And most importantly, we cannot assume that because a party we support is in power, greed, lawlessness, and impunity will respect party lines, colours, or convenience. They never have and they never will,” it was further stated.
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Cde Wanton, take the matter to the ccj.