IT is clear that Guyana needs new elections starting with local government elections now, followed by national elections by mid-year, if the opposition and the government cannot reach acceptable compromises on issues that seriously affect Guyana’s good governance, progress and general welfare. Government must force the opposition to justify not doing so to the regions.  Such a decision must be based on the fact that an early election, even under existing rules, far outweighs waiting indefinitely for all issues to be resolved to the parties’ satisfaction. There is no justification for local elections to be continuously delayed due to one or more issues. Let voters have a vote to voice their opinions on what is happening and what they want to see happen in the future.
 
Surely one or more of the four Local Government Bills now before the National Assembly can be agreed to, with the remaining issues to be decided by a Select Committee before year-end 2013. Time to split some differences, stop arguing over a committee chairmanship, and deal with the critical issues. Take parties out of local elections, and let voters pick area residents to represent them. Money should be allocated on the basis of population and regional needs first, with additional funding for projects that benefit both a region and the nation. Local governments should decide their own local policies, with the necessary safe- guards against fraud, corruption or unfair practices, using the same standards as the national government. The current situation robs regions of good governance and greater participation in national decision- making.