THE long-awaited Nomination Day for the Local Government Elections (LGE) is now over as several political parties and individual candidates gathered nationwide to submit their List of Candidates to the Returning Officers of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM).

This event marks a significant milestone for the democratic process, as citizens will have a direct say in who will represent them and make decisions on their behalf at the local level.

GECOM has reported that the ruling People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) was the first party to submit its List of Candidates for the Georgetown municipality.

The PPP/C is contesting all 610 constituencies in Guyana, with over 2,000 candidates and 26,000 backers representing people of every race, religion, and gender, and focusing on development.

There is a clear indication that persons are leaning towards the PPP/C to lead Georgetown, as the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) has been running the city for some 57 years since independence. The PPP/C can show residents how the city should be led, and their List of Candidates is ready to make that happen.

The importance of LGEs cannot be overstated, as local democratic organs like municipalities and Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs) provide a link between the central government and communities.

They are responsible for assessing the needs of residents, enforcing local laws, maintaining public spaces, and ensuring waste management, among others. By participating in LGEs, citizens can shape the policies and priorities of their community and hold local government officials accountable to their constituents.

The start of LGEs across the country signifies the importance of democracy and citizens’ participation in decision-making processes. As Guyana moves forward, it is imperative that we continue to promote and uphold these fundamental values.

Meanwhile, the PPP/C has been promoting inclusiveness and reducing racial tension since being re-elected to government in 2020. This is even as the Opposition continues to rely on divisive tactics to stay relevant, especially during election periods. However, the PPP/C is committed to improving citizens’ well-being and promoting inclusiveness over racial division.

As the elections approach, the PPP/C is targeting citizens’ national conscience and development focus to support its recommended teams of candidates.
A diverse blend of potential councillors, including prominent businesspeople and community leaders, have put themselves forward for the elections, promising greater inclusiveness and stronger grassroots participation.

The PPP/C’s criteria and focus on developing Guyana and uniting its people is embodied in President Irfaan Ali’s ‘One Guyana’ motto, which aims to end corruption and improve the lives of citizens.

Conversely, the Opposition is accused of promoting racial hostility and using politics as an “any means necessary game.” The PPP/C calls for the PNC’s favored practices, including election rigging and promoting racial hostility, to be dispelled. The PPP/C emphasizes the need for togetherness and quality leadership to achieve plural gains as ‘One Guyana.’ The root causes of petty corruption and slow progress at the NDCs can be removed with solid councillors willing to put the community’s development ahead of personal interests.

However, the PNC/APNU Commissioners have been making irrational attempts to derail the progress of GECOM. They have attacked Chairwoman Retired Justice Claudette Singh, and their strategic placement of a controversial Region Four Registration Officer has raised alarms.

GECOM must never consider employing someone of questionable character. In the past, this officer was involved in broadsheet issues, refused a recount requested by the PPP/C, and was sheltered from public scrutiny through substitution.

As the LGEs draw near, the PPP/C has urged all parties to collaborate for free and fair elections.

The party’s focus on development and inclusiveness is critical, but there has been efforts by the Opposition parties to hinder this progress with divisive tactics.

GECOM must remain vigilant in preparing for the LGEs to ensure free and fair elections. Only then can Guyana move forward with a united and constructive approach to development.