Dear Editor,
The Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) will not conduct Local Government Elections (LGEs) within the statutory constitutional period this year. Chairwoman Justice (retired) Claudette Singh recently confirmed this position in a letter to the Attorney-General, publicised in several widely circulated media reports.

The main reason presented by GECOM’s Chairperson is the absence of a Chief Elections Officer (CEO). The cause of such absence is no secret, much public evidence of nefarious actions the previous CEO and staff under his supervision, highlights deep embroilment in activities egregious to GECOM’s image and mandate, resulting in electoral fraud charges. Consequently, the occurrences have not only exacerbated the hemorrhaging loss of confidence in the electoral body but now creates an overspill of national and community implications that is the source of debates and discussions concerning reforms as a corrective necessity.

Be as it may, it is absolute that GECOM must hold LGEs at the earliest time. This must, however, be advanced in full cognisance and recognition that election rigging must never be allowed to happen again in this country. This country had enough ‘gridlocks’, our people had too many woeful experiences while being on the periphery. Today, we must see swing votes as unity votes and recognise that reforms will come with further development. Hence, the imperatives required of GECOM are to ensure that all systems are in place to hold free and fair elections.

The importance of the LGEs must not be underscored given their role as a key countercheck mechanism on community development at the municipal, community, and village levels. Importantly, it is paramount that local leaders elected at these levels also be brought to a decisive review point, held accountable by the citizens they serve for delivery of essential services; and in ensuring parallel development in partnership with the national plans. Notably, the ruling PPP/C Government has long recognised and demonstrated support in this regard and has ensured the adequacy of funding for these elections.

There have been calls for power-sharing and the outcry regarding needed constitutional reforms. Importantly, the latter requires two-thirds majority support in the National assembly and takes significant time. In the past, the process has been significantly abused by PNC representatives, and this fact is evidenced by the decades of fruitless meetings by the appointed taskforce. Our nation, therefore, should not be held at ransom under this guise before LGEs are held. The reforms that are being put in place to strengthen the Representation of the People Act (RoPA), are highly relevant in enabling GECOM to proceed with fewer risks until objective constitutional reforms are finalised.

Democracy is no longer a stand-alone word of optional pursuit. Rather, it is now accepted as a necessity in our global civilised relations. Elections as the key instrument of democratic approaches must be devoid of discrimination, hatred, rigging, bullying, and the likes. In the past PNC governments, the Guyanese people struggled for adult suffrage, experienced a Coaition government that failed us in 1964, and had our rights trampled under the paramountcy system of the PNC party. This characteristic behaviour of the PNC must not be condoned and our people must never again have to flee this country begging and looking for a better place to only survive.

After decades of turmoil and suffering, it took a united people with the establishment of the Political Committee in Defense of Democracy (PCD) and the assistance of the world, particularly the Carter Center that enable our nation to experience free and fair elections in 1992.

Editor, please permit me the latitude to touch a little on the consideration of power-sharing as a starting consideration of commentators, given the experience our nation has had at the hands of the PNC when it joined with the United Force (UF) in 1964. Then again in 2015, another PNC coalition with mainly the AFC took the seat of power. The result was non-stop corruption along with no respect for inclusivity, and total disrespect for the people led to the defeat and fall of the Coalition Government.

In strong contrast, although the PPP had a high chance of winning the 1992 elections, the party recognised the need to put an end to the winner-takes-all government and introduced the broad base inclusivity proposal of the civic component. At that time the civic component was promised a twenty per cent share in the government and there was tremendous prestige, pride, and recognition that the civic component brought to the list of candidates.

When the PPP/Civic won in 1992, the broad-minded approach of Dr. Jagan’s PPP party allowed the civic to take more than forty per cent of the government. Our economy was turned around and experienced tremendous development. It is clear to all that the PPP approach to politics in this country is more inclusive and appreciated although objectivity in models can be considered.

Notably, the youthful leadership of the PPP/C Government is certainly very proactive and very efficient. The fact that the government is governing for all the people is resulting in development across the country. The PPP/C policy is all-inclusive and our youths are benefiting from powerful education programmes and there will be further improvements leading to the all-round development of our economy and greater success.

As the PPP/C development traction gains momentum, we must guarantee the insurance of our democracy and people’s rights by putting an end to marginalisation, discrimination, and advancing free and fair elections. Hence, legislative changes to strengthen the electoral process must be our priority to ensure that we have early LGEs. The necessity for us to have a better functioning GECOM must also be our priority.

I take the opportunity to congratulate Mr. Vishnu Persaud for his appointment as the new Chief Elections Officer. Sir, you have in your hands the opportunity of being the astute professional that will realise the change and balance required in restoring the confidence of our people in GECOM. The rigging of elections must be stopped. Congrats!
Yours sincerely,
Neil Kumar