The PNCR has proposed to the local government reform task force that a new electoral system allow 70% of the seats to be constituency-based.
The party made this announcement at its weekly press conference yesterday.
The task force is authorised to implement a system that is configured to facilitate as many constituency seats as possible, while also providing for a top-up list system that would balance the results, in keeping with the proportionality of the overall votes cast.
This is in furtherance of the constitutional provisions, which now allow for the involvement and representation of individuals and voluntary groups as well as accountability to the electorate.
The PNCR proposes that the remaining 30% of the seats should be used as top-up seats that would facilitate a proportionate result.
It has also proposed that the list of candidates should be open, allowing voters to identify a candidate in addition to a party of their choice.
"The PNCR is of the view that its recommendations, in addition to complying with the Constitution, provide Guyanese with the best opportunity to participate in governance at the local level as well as to determine who are charged with the administration of local affairs and who are answerable to them for the conduct of local affairs."
The party is now awaiting the response of the task force.
Kare Vollan, an expert hired by USAID suggested three possible variations of the proportional representation system for the task force to consider: the mixed proportional system; the modified open list system; and the open list system in multi-member constituencies.