Electoral history was made on Monday when the Region Nine village of Masakenari in the Deep South Rupununi, held its first ever village council elections, marking a significant shift from the traditional method of selecting leaders to a more formal electoral process, a Department of Public Information (DPI) release said yesterday.
Residents exercised their democratic right by casting their vote and electing their leader of choice under the Amerindian Act of 2006.
According to DPI, the village previously followed customary practices with Paul Chekema leading the community for over 20 years after being selected traditionally. This landmark election now signifies a move towards regular democratic polls which will be held every three years in keeping with the provisions outlined in the Act.
Joseph Ayaw emerged victorious at the elections and becomes the first toshao to serve the Wai Wai people. He received majority of votes from 141 people who cast their ballots on Monday. Residents also exercised their franchise and elected a 12-member council that will work with the village leader to carry out the administration of Masakenari Village. When the council holds its inaugural meeting, it will appoint a Deputy Toshao to serve alongside Toshao Ayaw, the release pointed out.
The electoral process was presided over by the Returning Officer, Regional Executive Officer for Region Nine, Karl Singh, and overseen by a Ministry of Amerindian Affairs team, led by Minister Pauline Sukhai; Legal Officer, Mariam Andrew-Ming; and Principal Regional Development Officer, Anil Roberts.
After the election, Sukhai praised the candidates for their courage in accepting their nominations and participating in the election. She also congratulated the new leaders and thanked the outgoing Toshao Chekema for his years of service to the village.
Sukhai assured the community of the government’s steadfast support as it embarks on an important phase in its development while emphasising collective decision-making in carrying out the village’s affairs.
“You will encounter situations where you must give your best and support your team,” she said, adding, “The Government of Guyana, through the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs and the Regional Democratic Council, are your partners, and we will continue to support your efforts [and] we expect you to work with us as well.”
Similar remarks were echoed by Singh, who gave assurances that the Regional Democratic Council would be a partner in the village’s development. This momentous occasion marks a significant step forward for the Wai Wai people as they embrace a more structured and democratic approach to leadership and governance within their village, the release observed.
