Dear Editor,
There is no reason why an independent body such as GECOM cannot commence the work plan in place to ensure that local government elections are carried out in a timely manner. The commission knows what their responsibilities are and they must carry out their constitutional mandate. Whether or not everyone agrees on the makeup of the commission should not prohibit it from ensuring that the democratic process continues. We must rid ourselves of the excuses that enable democracy to be delayed and that prevent the will of the Guyanese people from being carried out.
The current disagreement between sore losers who prefer to remain in office due to a constitutional oversight and their new replacements as the voice of the people who oppose the current government should not provide impetus for the government to further delay democracy. The LGE (local government elections) were delayed for far too long in the past under both the PNC and the PPP. Awaiting a constitutional amendment or common sense to prevail will further delay the process. For those who do not wish to relinquish power and embrace democracy, delaying or preventing the LGE from taking place is in their best interest.
We the people of Guyana must insist that our voice be heard and that our democratic rights be respected. If the President is truly a proponent of democracy, he will ensure that GECOM is no longer hindered in carrying out its constitutional duties. Although GECOM is an independent body the appointment of the Chairperson falls within his realm of authority and it is done in consultation with the Leader of the Opposition. If the current Chairperson is unable to get the job done, then the President and the Leader of the Opposition must take the appropriate steps to ensure that the democratic process is no longer hindered.
Sincerely,
Mr. Jamil Changlee
Chairman
The Cooperative Republicans of Guyana
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