The Task Force on Local Government Reform is presently discussing the adoption of a new system for local government elections.
Co-Chairman of the Task Force and Minister within the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development, Clinton Collymore, stated that both parties have to decide on which system to use before the process can be moved forward.
The Task Force was established in 2001 by President Bharrat Jagdeo and Leader of the Opposition, the late Hugh Desmond Hoyte as part of the constructive engagement process. The Task Force was mandated to look at the reform of the local government elections process to allow individuals to contest elections at the local level.
Minister Collymore stated that the Task Force functioned successfully except during periods when it had to be dormant due to political machinations. Most of the work has been completed, and only deciding on an electoral system remains.
At meetings between the two parties, it was decided that the system will consist of a mixture of Proportional Representation (PR) and constituency. However, the members of the Task Force were unable to decide on the balance of two systems.
It was decided that the National Democratic Institute (NDI) would be asked to provide assistance. The NDI recommended four electoral experts, of whom the Task Force agreed to two. One of the experts was Dr. Benjamin Riley, who came and submitted several options.
Another expert, Dr. Gary Wooland from Denmark, visited and met members of the Task Force, President Bharrat Jagdeo and Head of the Presidential Secretariat, Dr. Roger Luncheon. The expert submitted three options which are being considered. These are:
· Pure Proportional Representation with certain provisions to enable individuals to contest and be named. This is to allow for accountability.
· Constituency option – the area to be contested will be divided into constituencies
· A mixture of both systems.
Government was unable to hold local government elections for several years due to many problems. Elections could not be held in 1997 as was scheduled because of the proximity to general elections. In 1998 a commotion arose due to the general elections. The elections were then postponed for 1998, which was affected by street protests and strikes. In 2000 the elections were again postponed due to general elections.
The Minister noted that a timetable was given indicating June 2005 as the probable date for holding of elections; but to speed up the process, the Guyana Elections Commission would need to complete the voters list on time.
The Joint Task Force comprises members of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) and the People’s National Congress Reform (PNC/R), including Vincent Alexander as the other Co-Chairman.