PPP/C says ready for local govt elections

The ruling People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/ C) said on Tuesday that it has been readying itself for the “impending” poll. In a statement arising out of its recent Central Committee’s meeting, the PPP/ C said much emphasis was placed on putting the party into an election mode, especially in view of impending local government elections.

Local government elections were last held in 1994, but the recent passage of a suite of legislation critical to the holding of the elections under a reformed system has given citizens some hope.

However, since its passage in the National Assembly, the bills have been stuck at the attorney general’s office and up to last week, they had not reached the president for his assent.

Only last week, junior Local Government Minister Norman Whittaker said the holding of local government elections remains top on the PPP/ C’s agenda.

He pointed out that the Municipal and District Council’s Bill, the Fiscal Transfers Bill, the Local Government Commission Bill and the Local Government (Amendment) Bill, which were passed in the National Assembly, have been sent to the attorney general’s chambers by the clerk of the National Assembly Sherlock Isaacs.

It is currently unclear how long the attorney general’s chambers will take to scrutinise the bills before they are sent to the president for his assent.

Guyana Elections Commission Chairman (GECOM) Dr Steve Surujbally had also said the commission is fully equipped and ready to stage the long-anticipated local government elections.

According to Dr Surujbally, elections can be held within the next six months, once the president assents to the bills.

Currently, the continuous registration exercise is ongoing and will aid in bringing the voters’ list to perfection. GECOM has already demarcated the various boundaries and constituencies – 71 districts.

History created

Meanwhile, the PPP/C said history was created when for the first time the Central Committee met outside of Georgetown. The meeting was held at Enmore, East Coast Demerara.

The party said immediately after the conclusion of the meeting, Central Committee members broke up into groups and went on house to house visits in Enmore and the adjoining villages with a view of obtaining firsthand information on issues and concerns faced by residents in the various communities.

The party statement said the committee reviewed the situation, both at the international level and locally.

The Central Committee also discussed plans to observe the 21st anniversary since the restoration of democratic rule in Guyana and the assumption of the PPP/ C to the seat of government.

Several activities are planned throughout the country, including three big rallies in Essequibo, Demerara and Berbice.