No local government elections in Guyana

Local government elections in Guyana have been postponed for the second time in over 10 years.



The authorities had been hoping that they could hold the election this year.



The polls should have taken place since 1997.



The Guyana parliament has passed a bill postponing the elections.



The government has proposed an amendment, which would give the Minister of Local Government the power to authorize any local council to hold elections for mayor and other officials.



Opposition members argued against the proposed change.



They saw it as an attempt by the government to gain greater control over local authorities.



However the government used its parliamentary majority to approve the amendment.