‘Vote like a boss’ –LGE voter education campaign launched
US Charge d’Affaires Bryan Hunt addresses the audience at the launch of the “Vote like a boss campaign”
US Charge d’Affaires Bryan Hunt addresses the audience at the launch of the “Vote like a boss campaign”

By Navendra Seoraj
WITH the much anticipated Local Government Elections (LGE) around the corner, the Guyana National Youth Council (GNYC) in collaboration with the National Coordinating Coalition through the chair organisation-Youth Challenge Guyana – launched their “Vote like a boss” campaign.Being introduced for the first time for General and Regional Elections last year, the campaign seeks to sensitise Guyanese, particularly youths to their right to vote and the importance of voting at any election.

Members of the gather on Friday
Members of the gather on Friday

However, this time around the task ahead is much more challenging, given that the LGE involves 71 Local Authority Areas (LAAs), including 62 Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs) and nine municipalities.
Poised to be held on March 18, 2016, within these 71 LAAs, the electorate is anticipated to cast their votes for the person whom they deem best for the post as councillors on the NDCs, or municipal councils.
Speaking at the launch of the campaign on Friday at the Herdmanston Lodge, representative of the GNYC Tricia Teekah, underscored the fact that they had worked hard to put the project together, given that they sought the support of the private sector as well as other organisations.
The campaign, she said, will seek to sensitise not just the young people of society but the society at large, on what their mandate is at the upcoming LGE, as well as what the election itself entails.
“LGE should be seen as a means of promoting community ownership, given that the focus is on electing officials to fill posts as councillors and represent the residents of that neighbourhood,” posited Teekah, as she stressed the importance of the elections.
Voter hubs will be established in the various regions, especially with much emphasis being placed on the new towns.
Apart from that, there will be a number of infomercials, posters, and other initiatives that will be aimed at encouraging Guyanese to come out and vote on Election Day.
Meanwhile, US Charge d’Affaires, Bryan Hunt, as well as GECOM’s Chairman, Dr Steve Surujbally, shared the same views, as they stressed the importance of voter education and how effective the campaign will be, once executed properly.
Hunt lauded the GNYC for their effort, but highlighted the fact that prior to the date for LGE being announced, the enthusiasm of the Guyanese population was high. And of recent the atmosphere has shimmered, leaving the officials to wonder whether the populace will turn out or not.
Thus, he announced that the US is in support of the council’s initiative and will be willing to assist in any way possible, when it comes to getting the Guyanese out to vote on the big day.
Dr Surujbally acknowledged the effort by youths, challenging them to execute a proper campaign focused on informing the public about the elections while not depicting any bias.
Representing the private sector, Captain Gerry Gouveia also recognised the importance of LGE and assured the council that the private sector is ready to lend a helping hand once called upon.
The significance of the LGE was also pointed out On February 22, 2016, when the President of the US, Barack Obama in a letter to President David Granger stated that, “Local elections are essential to bolstering good governance, development, and respect for the rule of law. Your efforts to ensure broad participation and an informed electorate will contribute to successful elections and a bright future for Guyana.”

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