Independents, small parties look to take on big parties in LGE 2023

Nomination Day saw a variety of independent groups and smaller parties who submitted candidate lists for Local Government Elections… some new, but also a number of familiar faces who are vying for seats at the Georgetown Mayor and City Council.

One such familiar face was a veteran broadcaster and founder of Independent Citizens for Progress, Bobby Vieira stressed that his group is not a political party but rather, wanted to give citizens an alternative to political parties.
“This is a totally independent group. We are not even registered as a political party. We’re not affiliated with any political party. We’re just a group of independent-minded, thinking people who have come together to work on making changes in Georgetown,” he said.

Shaz Ally, who is a candidate of The Change Initiative (TCI) and became a familiar face while fighting for democracy following the 2020 General and Regional Elections, also made an appearance at the Critchlow Labour College. He is contesting in Constituency One

“I think it’s just my part to play a role and be a candidate. And hopefully, become a Councillor at the Mayor and City Council. I was a candidate in the last General Elections for TCI. And I’m under TCI banner for this Local Government Elections as well.”
“I plan to develop our community. There’s always an issue with cleanliness and so on… I have some plans as it relates to actual development because I do not like what’s happening in City Council. So, I do plan to put it out there with the Council,” Ally said about what he would do if elected.

Dr Hubert Maloney, an independent candidate for Constituency 12 (Tucville/North Ruimveldt), was of the view that even though he is in his 70s, age is just a number. Meanwhile, Gregory Fraser, who is seeking to represent Constituency Eight- Stabroek, Wortmanville, Werk-en-Rust, also made a showing.
US Ambassador to Guyana Sarah-Ann Lynch was present on Nomination Day. According to her, the process was very well run. She also confirmed that her Embassy has been invited to observe the proceedings.
“It looks like it’s a very well-run process. So, it was very nice of GECOM to invite us to observe the process. Nomination Day is a very important day in Guyana. So, it was wonderful to be here today. And local governance is foundational to a well-functioning democracy. So, we do find this to be a very important occasion,” the diplomat said.