Local Gov’t Elections to be held next year – Minister Bulkan

[www.inewsguyana.com] – The Ministry of Communities is now awaiting word from the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), for the holding of Local Government Elections (LGE) now that all the administrative orders are in place.

According to Minister of Communities, Ronald Bulkan, LGE can take place within the first-quarter of 2016. Addressing municipal representatives on October 23, at an Institutional Strengthening and Capacity Building Development workshop, Minister Bulkan disclosed that the Ministry sent two orders to GECOM, relating to the holding of the elections.

He explained that with these two orders, the way is paved for another piece of administrative necessity, that is, a third order, which will give the actual date for the elections.

“In that regard, I am awaiting a definitive response from GECOM, to be told what is the window, the minimum date, the earliest or latest date, by which those elections can be held, given the fact that these administrative requirements are now all in place,” the Minister said.

The first order given to GECOM identifies the 71 Local Democratic Organs (LDOs) that will be participating in these elections, and the composition of their councils. Minister Bulkan explained that in this first order are the three districts (Mabaruma, Bartica and Lethem), for which ‘township orders’ for their creation were yesterday laid in the National Assembly.

The second order establishes the boundaries of the 71 LDOs. Minister Bulkan said that he is hoping that with the given information, GECOM will soon set the date for these elections.

“But given my advantage, I could state clearly that those elections will be held before the end of next year, and it will signal part and parcel of the administration’s commitment to democratic renewal,” he added.

Minister Bulkan noted that this democratic rekindling is essential to having new councils, with fresh energy, new enthusiasm and with the zeal that arises from the confidence the citizens have in the administration. Local Government Elections were last held in Guyana in 1994, and citizens have been most eager for a return of this aspect of governance. [Extracted and modified from GINA]