Guyana approves postponement of local elections

The Guyana parliament has approved of an amendment to the Local Authorities Bill 2010 providing for the postponement of the local government polls.



The amendment allows for the election to be held on or before December 1, 2011.



Local Government elections have been due since 1997.



The new amendment allows the relevant minister on request of a local council or on his instructions, to authorise the holding of the election at any time for the election of a Mayor, Deputy Mayor or a Chairman or Deputy Chairman of a local democratic organ.



Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Kellawan Lall says although Local Government elections have been rescheduled for various reasons in the past, there is indication that the polls are being deliberately delayed.



The Opposition had claimed that the Government was deliberately delaying the polls.