The voter turnout for the municipality of Georgetown for the June 12 Local Government Elections (LGE) was a dismal 28.1%.
Georgetown is the biggest Local Authority Area (LAA) and after an election where the ruling PPP/C upped the ante in a bid for a historic win in the city, the opposition A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) handily defeated it by 19 to 11 seats. The figure of 11 however represented a significant gain for the PPP/C which had held seven seats in 2018.
Based on figures released yesterday by the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), of the 122,892 eligible voters in Georgetown, only 34,527 cast ballots. Given that Georgetown is the major stronghold of APNU and its predecessors, the turnout will be seen as a failure by the leadership of the opposition to motivate supporters to vote.
The relatively high turnout in the Berbice Neighbouhood Democratic Council (NDC) of Plegt Anker/Kortberaadt of 58.33% was reflected in a tight race where both the PPP/C and APNU now hold four seats on the council. One constituency race saw a tie which had to be broken by the drawing of lots. The PPP/C candidate won in the drawing of the lot. Had it gone the other way, APNU would have ended up with a five to three advantage on the council. As of now, the two sides are tied at 4-4.
The turnout at Linden was 37.05%, New Amsterdam – 37.65%, Corriverton – 28.35%. Bartica saw a turnout of 40.96%. Mabaruma, which was easily won by the PPP/C had the highest turnout of all the municipalities at 51.51%.
Several NDCs recorded turnouts above 50%. These were Wakenaam at 53.89%, Malgre Tout/Meer-Zorgen at 51%, Profit/Rising Sun at 52.39%, Woodlands/Bel Air at 51.3%.
See turnout for all LAAs below as provided by GECOM.
