Press Release- 1st November, 2021
This was published as a press release on 1st November, 2021.
The Electoral Reform Group (ERG) reiterates its commitment to a process of electoral reform that is based on national dialogue, with civil society playing a substantive role.
We noted the announcement in May this year of a project to strengthen the capacities of GECOM and the Attorney General Chambers. At that time, the Attorney General emphasized that this project was of the highest priority, given its vital importance to the maintenance of good governance, public order and national development. He stressed that time was of the essence.
Against this background, ERG wrote to the Attorney General and the Minister of Governance and Parliamentary Affairs on September 6th and 30th respectively requesting an update on the progress and proposed timelines for completion of the project. We also requested information on the Government’s electoral reform plans, including the review of the Representation of the People Act (RoPA) and proposed timelines for completing the reform plans. No response has been forthcoming thus far.
The ERG agrees that GECOM and RoPA reforms are pressing necessities that must be carried out swiftly to make way for Local Government Elections, which were expected this year, and in preparation for the next general and regional elections.
ERG is concerned that amendments to RoPA alone, while necessary, are insufficient to address the core of Guyana’s electoral problem.
We welcome press reports that the Government plans to circulate proposed amendments to RoPA. However, there has been no indication as to whether this process will address the electoral system.
ERG is of the view that, as minimum requirements, electoral reforms must:
1. Address the structure and composition of GECOM itself and not just staffing matters of GECOM’s Secretariat, or electoral offences.
2. Incorporate substantive, effective citizen involvement in the reform process, consistent with Article 13 of the Constitution and the creation of an inclusionary democracy in Guyana, via a comprehensive national consultative process aimed at achieving a consensus reform proposal for parliamentary consideration.
3. Ensure that a new and improved electoral system, which increases the accountability of Parliamentarians to citizens, is used for future national elections.
The Electoral Reform Group (ERG) stands willing to participate, along with other stakeholders, and lend support to the electoral reform process.