Political Context

Guyana gained independence from Great Britain in 1966. Independence was followed by a period of increasingly centralized government under the People's National Congress (PNC) where racial divisions weakened and eventually undermined democratic institutions. Most elections were considered flawed until 1992.

However, further controversies following the December 1997 national elections left Guyana at a political impasse. The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) brokered the Herdmanston Accord and the St. Lucia Statement between the two leading political parties, the People's Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) and the People's National Congress Reform (PNCR) to break the deadlock. The parties agreed to hold new elections within three years (instead of five) and to advance the constitutional reform process. Parliament established the Constitution Reform Commission in January 1999 to make recommendations for a new constitution.

National elections were held in March 2001, where the PPP/C was elected for the third consecutive time with 52 percent of the vote. Frustrations with the implementation of constitutional reforms led the opposition parties to boycott parliament for 14 months.

Mr. Robert Corbin of the PNCR brought the Opposition back to Parliament and by May 2003, the PNCR signed a Joint Communiqué with President Jagdeo that contained several agreements regarding constitutional and parliamentary reform.

This agreement was recognized as a vital step toward strengthening the institutions necessary for a functioning democracy and the creation of conditions for peace, development, and economic growth.

Projects Overview

From 1990 to 2004, NDI supported the democratic transition in Guyana through efforts to strengthen the legislature, increase the involvement of political parties and non-governmental organizations in decision-making as well as the electoral process.

During this time, NDI built and maintained the trust and confidence of a broad spectrum of Guyanese, including leaders and members of all the political parties, key actors in government ministries and civic activists, to the benefit of each program area.

Specifically, NDI promoted the constitutional reform process in Guyana by providing relevant materials and by sponsoring the participation of local and international advisors in the development of the Constitution Reform Commission. NDI supported civic education and the participation of civil society in the constitution reform process by providing technical assistance to conduct public consultations.

The Institute also contributed to legislative strengthening by building a parliamentary library and making the Laws of Guyana available in an electronic format on compact disc to the public, the judiciary and the legal community.

NDI worked with the Ministry of Local Government to improve the effectiveness of local government by training over 500 officials in administrative management skills. A Manual on How Local Government Works was produced and distributed to improve communication between citizens and their local representatives.

NDI also designed and implemented Guyana’s most comprehensive national voter education campaign to date and provided technical support to civic groups on election monitoring, contributing to increased transparency and public confidence in the electoral process.

NDI worked with the Speaker’s Office and the political parties represented in Parliament to improve the legislative processes and strengthen parliament as an institution. NDI assisted the Parliament Office and members of parliament to develop a permanent committee system, increase research and administrative capacity of staff, and develop opportunities for increased public engagement in the work of Parliament.

In 1991, NDI organized a symposium on efforts to promote public confidence and participation in election processes. As a result of this symposium, a group of civic leaders created a nonpartisan watchdog organization, the Electoral Assistance Bureau (EAB) to enhance the integrity of the electoral process in Guyana. Soon after its creation, the EAB played an integral role in verifying the accuracy of the preliminary voters’ list for the 1992 national elections, which were considered to be the country’s first open and democratic elections. NDI continued to work with the EAB as it organized Guyana’s first domestic election observation of the 1994 local elections, Guyana’s first local government elections in 24 years.

NDI implemented a women’s political participation project designed to increase their representation in elected public office. Over 300 women from diverse backgrounds were trained by NDI in campaign management, public speaking, issues development, outreach, fund raising and media skills in preparation for local government elections. NDI also trained women in media monitoring and commissioned a survey regarding public perceptions of women in politics.

NDI provided support to the Joint Task Force on Local Government Reform, whose mandate was to ensure the implementation of constitutional reforms that transfer greater autonomy to local government bodies. NDI also implemented the “Making Cities Work” project in the city of New Amsterdam and Anna Regina, geared toward community action in resolving local concerns in collaboration with local officials.

NDI created and distributed to every local councilor a handbook entitled, Building Effective Local Governance: A Guide for Local Councilors. The handbook is used as a tool by councilors and educators, in increasing understanding of Guyana’s local government laws, structure of central government and the roles and responsibilities of elected local officials.

From 1999-2004, NDI has worked with The Carter Center (TCC) and the International Foundation for Election Systems (IFES) under the Democracy and Rule of Law program.

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