Dear Editor,
Given the fact that there has been no local democratic renewal in Guyana for almost two decades, Guyanese, understandably, have numerous questions about local government. Unfortunately, too, this state of affairs lends itself to the spread of misinformation. With those facts in mind, the Ministry of Communities continues its public education campaign. Please note the following facts:
Structure and composition of councils
Local government councils are composed of two
elements, an elected council, headed by a Chairperson in the case of a NDC and a Mayor in the case of a town (municipality). Also, an appointed body of administrators headed by an overseer (NDC) or a Town Clerk (municipality). The appointed element carries out the directives of the elected element.
How are councils constituted?
Half of the number of councillors of each local authority area (NDC or municipality) are elected through Proportional Representation (PR); the remaining half, called the constituency candidates, are elected through the First-Past-The-Post system. The total number of councillors in a given local authority area is two times the number of constituencies in that area.
How will NDC Chairs and Co-Chairs as well as Mayors and Deputy Mayors be elected?
In the case of municipalities, Mayors will be chosen from among their number by councillors on an annual basis. The people do not directly vote for a Mayor. NDC Chairs and Co-Chairs will similarly be chosen from among themselves, by the newly elected councillors. The manner of such elections is specified by law.
Laws or Acts that govern
(a) NDCs – The Constitution of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana and the Local Government Act, Cap 28:02.
(b) Towns or municipalities – the Constitution of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana and the Municipal and District Councils Act, Cap 28:01.
General—other vital information for governing those councils
The Local Government Commission will be a constitutional Commission composed of eight members. The Commission will have responsibility for the day-to-day management of local government organs. Additionally, the Commission will be responsible for regulation and staffing – hiring and firing – of the organs. The Commission must also oversee, monitor, investigate and examine the actions of the councils as stated in the Act. The Local Government Commission will be an autonomous body under the Act.
Yours faithfully,
Mark DaCosta
For the Ministry of Communities
