APNU accuses govt. of undermining local democracy through parallel structures

Jun 07, 2026 News

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(Kaieteur News) – A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) on Friday accused the government of undermining local democracy by creating parallel structures.

Member of Parliament (MP) Saiku Andrews told reporters that there is grave concern over the deteriorating state of the local government administration across the country pointing to the increased partisan and discriminatory manner in which the local democratic organs are being treated by the current administration.

He explained that local government authorities were established to provide accountable, responsive and community-based governance. However, he said citizens are instead witnessing a deliberate effort to undermine the elected local authorities, specifically the ones controlled by his party.

He accused the government of establishing parallel structures to advance narrow political interests.

“Equally troubling is the emergence of what appears to be a deliberate effort to bypass and weaken democratically elected local authorities by creating and financing handpicked Community Development Councils (CDCs), particularly in Region #6.

The PNCR/APNU notes with concern that multimillion-dollar allocations have reportedly been handed over to these CDCs [Community Development Councils], many of which are widely perceived to comprise PPP/C friends, family, supporters, and political favourites. These groups possess neither the democratic legitimacy nor the statutory authority vested in elected councils and NDCs. Such actions undermine local democracy, create parallel systems of governance, and raise serious questions about transparency, accountability, and the equitable distribution of public resources,” Andrews stated.

The politician is also accusing the government of continuing a campaign of interference in APNU-controlled NDC’s without engagement, approval or consultation with the elected council. He said the government is installing party affiliates as “help desk personnel” without consultation with the NDCs.

“These actions represent an unacceptable intrusion into the administration of local democratic organs and further erode the principle of local autonomy guaranteed under Guyana’s system of local government.

The PNCR/APNU is particularly concerned about recent public statements attributed to the Minister of Local Government and Regional Development that suggest an intention to “take over” APNU-controlled NDCs. Such declarations are deeply troubling and reflect a mindset that is fundamentally inconsistent with democratic governance. Local authorities belong to the people of their communities, not to any political party or government minister,” Andrews added.

Further, the APNU politician told reporters that the responsibility of the Minister of Local Government is to support and strengthen local democracy instead of threatening elected councils because they are controlled by a political opponent.

Pointing out that the situation exits within several municipalities, with the inclusion of the Mayor and Town Council of Linden, he said that this is a further illustration of systematic neglect.

“Many councils continue to operate under severe resource constraints, with offices lacking the necessities required to serve residents effectively, including internet access, printers, office equipment, and adequate administrative support. These conditions are unacceptable in a country currently experiencing unprecedented levels of revenue and economic growth,” MP Andrews stressed.

Furthermore, he said the party also notes the ongoing concerns in relation to the conduct of administration officers, specifically town clerks and overseers, who in some instances are continuously disregarding decisions lawfully made by elected councils.

“The persistent failure to implement council resolutions, coupled with a lack of accountability for such actions, undermines the authority of elected representatives and weakens public confidence in local government institutions.

No administrative officer should be permitted to frustrate the will of an elected council with impunity. Respect for local democracy requires respect for the decisions of elected representatives acting within the law,” he said.

In light of this, the party is calling for the government to bring an end the practice of bypassing elected local authorities through politically connected CDCs and to ease the unilateral imposition of personnel within local democratic organs.

“Respect the autonomy and authority of elected NDCs and municipalities regardless of political affiliation. Ensure the equitable allocation of resources to all local authorities. Hold administrative officers accountable where they fail to implement lawful decisions of elected councils. Reaffirm its commitment to the principles of local democracy and constitutional governance.”

The party said it is committed to defending the integrity of local government, while ensuring that municipalities and NDC’s are empowered to serve their communities in an effective manner.

APNU said that as Guyana approaches another local government election cycle, the citizens “must remain vigilant against attempts to centralise power, weaken democratic institutions, and marginalise elected representatives. Local government belongs to the people, and it must remain accountable to the people.”

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• APNU, Democracy, Government, parallel structures, PPP

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