President reaffirms commitment to local democracy
− Coalition Administration’s commitment to LGE reflects obligation to democratic renewal
DPI, Guyana, Friday, October 5, 2018
President David Granger today reaffirmed the Coalition Government’s commitment to local democracy. He was speaking at the 61st Anniversary celebration of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR).
As one of the major parties constituting the Coalition Government, President Granger said:
“Our party’s commitment to the regular conduct of Local Government Elections reflects our obligation to promote democratic renewal and community development where they count most, at the grassroots.”
The Head of State reminded that on March 18, 2016, a mere 10 months after assuming office, the Coalition hosted Local Government Elections (LGE). This is after the absence of LGE for 22 years under the previous People’s Progressive Party (PPP) regime.
Guyanese will head to the polls on November 12 to vote in the LGE, the president said this will be a significant day since it is the first time in decades that the elections are being held when constitutionally due.
The establishment of new towns, neighbourhoods and the Local Government Commission, President Granger said, signifies government’s commitment to reinforcing local democracy.
“Most of all we have abolished the obnoxious Interim Management Committees invented by the PPP regime. We have done so to protect democratic organs from Central Government interference and abuse,” the president stated.
The Head of State noted that the “haughty and high-handed” approach, of former PPP Local Government ministers, are of the past.
The president assured that this will never be the case under the Coalition Administration, emphasising the right of citizens to elect their community leaders.
Stacy Carmichael.
Images: Ministry of the Presidency.