Opposition Leader David Granger yesterday maintained that notwithstanding A Partnership for National Unity’s (APNU) support for AFC’s no-confidence motion, which could trigger national elections if passed, it is still pressing ahead with its call for local government elections (LGE).
He said the partnership has continued with its protests around the country and it has held private meetings with its members and these will continue until President Donald Ramotar calls a date for local government elections.
“I’ve been personally involved in meetings on the East Coast, West Coast and the West Bank and the partnership has had other meetings on the coast and in Georgetown…,” Granger said yesterday.
He said that those areas are the ones most affected by the non-holding of local government areas as it is in these communities that interim management committees are found. He described the move by APNU as a “vigorous campaign” which has seen the various local government bills that were passed being explained to members and the general public, adding that the attendance at the meetings have been good.
“We are confident that there is a better understanding of our demand for local government elections,” Granger said pointing out that the partnership had launched a campaign about a year ago for the holding of local government elections.
He said the partnership would continue to protest and call for LGE and the majority of people understand the need for such a campaign.
Referring once again to President Ramotar’s talk about the partnership wanting its ‘bake and cake’ since it is also supporting the no-confidence vote, Granger reminded that Guyanese are entitled to both elections. He said there is never a question about which one should be convened since both have to be held and the question is just which one will be held first.
Granger had recently announced public protests to press the government to initiate the polls after the President failed to identify a date as per his request.
He had written to Ramotar asking him to name a date and warning that otherwise national and international support would be galvanised in defence of local democracy. APNU has since held several protests around the country. Some have questioned the timing of the protest actions and whether they are making any impact as there is still no move by the government to hold local government elections.
