The We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) political party is calling for the immediate and lawful resumption of the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) No. 10 election process after a tied vote for Chairman on October 10 halted proceedings, leaving Region 10 without elected leadership.
In an official statement issued on October 20, WIN’s nine elected councillors demanded that Clerk of Council, Mr. Dwight John, reconvene the Council and proceed with the election in accordance with the Local Democratic Organs Act, Cap. 28:09, specifically Section 20(6)(a) through (h), which mandates a second and, if necessary, third round of voting in the event of a tie.
The call comes in the wake of a deadlocked vote during the October 10 election, where WIN’s nominee Mark Goring tied with A Partnership for National Unity (APNU)’s nominee Dominique Blair for the position of Regional Chairman. Since then, no further rounds of voting have been scheduled, in defiance of the legal requirements.
“Justice delayed is justice denied,” WIN said in its statement. “The law is clear, the election process must continue until a Regional Chairman and Regional Vice Chairman are elected.”
Election Results and Voter Turnout
According to the Official List of Electors (OLE) for Region Ten, 38,460 electors were eligible to vote. Of these, 21,195 voters cast their ballots in the recent local government elections. WIN emerged as the leading party, securing 10,458 votes, followed by:
- APNU – 5,334 votes
- People’s Progressive Party (PPP) – 4,260 votes
- Forward Guyana Movement (FGM) – 662 votes
- Alliance for Change (AFC) – 210 votes
- Assembly for Liberty and Prosperity (ALP) – 85 votes
Despite winning the majority of votes and nine seats on the RDC, WIN’s nominee has yet to be installed as Chairman due to the tied vote and subsequent inaction by the Clerk of Council.
Region 10 Without Leadership
WIN noted that Region 10 remains the only administrative region in Guyana without an elected Regional Chairman and Vice Chairman. The party described the Clerk’s failure to continue the process as a “violation of statutory duty” and a fundamental breach of democratic principles.
“This inaction represents not only a violation of statutory duty but also a denial of the democratic will of the people of Region 10, who freely elected WIN candidates to serve on the Council.”
WIN has formally written to the Regional Executive Officer (REO), who also serves as Clerk of Council, to remind him of his legal obligations. However, no response has been received to date.
National and International Appeal
WIN is appealing to the 10,262 citizens who voted for the party, the wider public, civil society, and the international community to speak out in defense of democratic due process. The statement specifically calls on:
- His Worship Sharma Solomon, Mayor of Linden
- Regional Chairman Deron Adams
- The Honourable Priya Manickchand, Minister of Local Government and Regional Development
- His Excellency Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, President of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana
- The Bar Association of Guyana
- Linden Chamber of Industry, Commerce & Development
- The Private Sector Commission
- All other elected councillors and stakeholders
“The will of the people of Region 10 cannot be disregarded,” WIN stated. “The election must proceed lawfully to ensure the democratic choice of the people is respected.”
Next Steps
WIN announced a four-pronged plan to address the issue:
- Official notifications to the Minister of Local Government, GECOM, and the Attorney General’s Chambers outlining the breach of law.
- Public outreach via community forums and press briefings to raise awareness.
- Civic mobilisation in defense of democratic rights and lawful governance in Region 10.
- Legal proceedings to compel the Clerk of Council to fulfill his statutory obligations.
“Democracy must never be held hostage by procedural defiance,” the party emphasised. “Region 10 residents deserve no less than full respect for their votes and the proper functioning of their Regional Democratic Council.”
WIN Reaffirms Commitment to Democracy
WIN reiterated its commitment to transparency, accountability, and the rule of law, confirming its readiness to fully participate in any lawful process to conclude the election.
“WIN will not be deterred from defending the rule of law and the democratic rights of the citizens we represent,” the leadership said.
