ALTHOUGH Nominations Day for the Local Government Elections (LGEs) have been set for December 12, the Alliance For Change (AFC) is yet to decide if it will contest the polls alone or with its larger partner in the coalition, the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU).

Chairperson of the AFC, Cathy Hughes, during the party’s weekly press conference said the clock is not ticking for the party and an announcement will be made at a later date,
“When the time comes, we will make the announcement,” Hughes said.

Earlier this week, however, the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) announced December 12, 2022, as Nomination Day for the Local Government Elections.
GECOM, in newspaper advertisements, said that all political parties desirous of contesting the local government poll on March 13, 2023, are required to submit a symbol for approval by the elections body before Nomination Day.

“In accordance with section 48 (1) of the Local Authorities (Elections) Act, Cap. 28:03, all political parties, voluntary groups, and individuals who are desirous of contesting the upcoming Local Government Elections are required to submit to the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), a symbol for approval, no later than 21 days before Nomination Day,” the advertisement stated.
In 2018, the AFC had contested the LGEs independently but managed to secure just about four per cent of the votes cast.

Local Government Elections were legally due last year and funds were budgeted in 2021 to facilitate this; however, several issues facing GECOM at the time prevented the hosting of the elections, including the non-appointment of a chief election officer (CEO).

The LGEs could not be held in the absence of a CEO, a position which was later filled by Vishnu Persaud.
The two primary objectives of local government polls are to enable democratic local decision-making and action by and on behalf of communities, and to promote the social, economic, environmental, and cultural well-being of communities.

Some of the key goals of the LGEs are to improve the local environment; provide and develop local open spaces and recreational facilities; set strategic policy directions; and prepare annual plans, budgets and long-term council community plans.

LGEs will be held in 70 Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs) and 10 municipalities, throughout the country using a hybrid system of Proportional Representation and First-Past-the-Post.