APNU calls for local gov’t polls by year-end

Reiterating its call for the administration to fulfill its promise to hold local government elections by year-end thereby ensuring that local government reform take place, A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) said it is shameful that there is no evidence of steps being taken to prepare for elections.
APNU parliamentarian Ronald Bulkan said the government was urged to decentralise and not re-centralise, to stop seeking to control and dominate local democratic organs, allow communities to elect their own councillors, and respect local leaders. The state was also urged to practise oversight not domination, empower communities to manage local issues and affairs, and provide financial and other resources to local government bodies on an equitable basis.
“We are saddened to report to the public that, not only has our call fallen on deaf ears but the government has intensified their campaign to trample on the system of local democracy, in general, and local government in particular.”
Bulkan added that instead of there being “visible moves to facilitate the holding of local government elections”, government has been dismantling “duly elected councils” and replacing them with Interim Management Councils (IMCs) “largely comprising hand-picked loyalists” while ignoring the principle of proportionality.
He added that during tripartite talks, assurances were given by President Donald Ramotar that four local government reform bills that were tabled in the Ninth Parliament for immediate submission to a special select committee would be re-introduced but to date that has not been done. “As of this day, Friday, 13th July 2012, the government has failed to submit the bills to the National Assembly,” Bulkan pointed out.

The Member of Parliament acknowledged the bravery of some citizens who have objected to the implementation of IMCs in their respective communities or democratic constituencies.
“It is heartening to note, however, that citizens are standing up to the onslaught on their democratic rights and are beginning to speak out… In this regard, almost 600 residents of Corriverton signed a petition calling on the government to remove the IMC which was arbitrarily imposed on the community and to reinstall the previously existing council,” Bulkan noted.
He continued: “APNU wishes to alert the public to what is currently taking place at the Georgetown municipality where the government is refusing to act in keeping with recommendations arising from an inquiry commissioned by them (government).”
According to the coalition, government is “threading on dangerous ground”.
Meanwhile, asked what APNU intends to do to counter what it believes to be a deliberate act to disempower citizens across the country, Bulkan said there is nothing that the coalition can do as it is the role of the administration to table the bills and the role of the opposition to ensure that government table effective bills.
“Tabling bills is purely the government’s responsibility… especially where expenditure is considered,” he said.
He noted that it is critical that significant reforms are made to the local government system, as too much power resides at the level of central government.
APNU member Lance Carberry, who was also at the press briefing, told the media that in order for there to be significant changes and reform of the local government structure, the remaining four bills that were tabled but are yet to be reintroduced must be put before the House.
Those bills deal with the Local Government Commission, fiscal transfers, changes to the local government act, and municipalities.