A few days ago, Guyanese across this country voted in Local Government Elections. Those who voted at the local polls, particularly in the city and major towns, have sent a clear message to the Central Government: ‘we are fully aware of your plan to control and dominate; we would not let you’. This was amplified by their collective vote, to deny the governing party its political desire- to absolutely control and dominate all of Guyana, especially the nation’s capital- Georgetown.
The elaborate programme, by Central Government, to skillfully woo voters was, to say the least, incredible. Billions of dollars were spent in local communities that did not attract the attention of the government prior to local elections. Almost overnight, roads and bridges were constructed, drains were desilted. It is true that, the provision of these public goods and services are uniquely placed within government’s portfolio. There is nothing wrong with the government doing work in communities for the people; it is part of its basic duty, to secure the health and safety of citizens.
But, what was terribly shocking was the approach adapted by the governing party, in carrying out those works. First, they ignored the local authorities in those areas. Second, they awarded contracts to their friends. Third, no one knows if communities got real value for money. Fourth, the engineers and technical staff of those local authorities cannot verify the quality of those works. Also, in many communities, citizens were neither consulted nor involved in those works. Yet, they are would- be beneficiaries of those projects, facilities and services.
Just to be clear, no one is arguing about the government’s right and responsibility to do works because they have used state resources, and the people’s money [tax dollars] to provide those facilities. The contention is the bullish, callous and disrespectful attitude of the incumbent to enter into local authority areas and take over responsibilities of those councils. It is wrong and should not have happened. However, the style of the Irfaan Ali- led government usually defies protocols, and basic standards. This government shouts about democracy but fail to recognize and understand the important role local government plays in the general political architecture of this country.
One of the key things of local democracy is decentralisation. History has shown us that just about a decade decentralisation has been implemented by a large number of developing countries. In fact, the World Bank views this devolution as one major economic reform on its agenda. Decentralisation particularly in countries with racial and ethnic tensions is seen as a way to ensure political stability, to improve accountability, and responsiveness of local leaders, to increase the efficiency of public policies, and ultimately to reduce poverty
A major factor of decentralisation is the “proximity principle”: it moves local public- decision makers closer to citizens. Further, by doing this, decentralisation improves preferences matching by providing a greater diversity of public services. More, by reducing informational asymmetries between those in power and those governed, decentralisation should induce a higher level of accountability of government and better efficiency in public spending.
However, the government seems more bent on a centralist approach. Perhaps, this is the reason why some years ago, it appointed Interim Management Committees, to the city council and other towns, instead of calling constitutional Local Government Elections, which were long overdue, at that time. Perhaps, too, this is why the government attempts to usurp the authority and powers of the councils. This action by the government is not only illegal but corrosive to local democracy in this country.
Instead of strengthening local democracy the PPP/C seeks to hold, direct and control everything from Freedom House. A central body has complete power over all resources and determines who gets what, when, why and how. In the ruling party, centralisation puts the responsibility for decision-making at the higher levels of the party, thereby concentrating both authority and power at the top political level.
All decision makings and authorities are focused on the top tier of the incumbent, which consists of few people, who dictate national policy and make all the crucial decisions. This minimises the roles or involvement of local communities and other stakeholders in society. In these modern times, and at this period of global and local political history centralization does not fit the current trends of participatory governance, empowerment, and shared decision-making.
It is clear, that the recently held local polls were crucial to democratic renewal and to the sustainable overall development of local communities. Also, it was important to deny the PPP/C the achievement of its political ambition, to dominate and control every village, town and generally every facet of our society. We must work harder to deny them victory at the General and Regional Elections in 2025. Long live local democracy!
