Guyana: Constitutional Reform Process Set to Begin in Guyana

The Constitutional Reform Commission (CRC) in Guyana is preparing to invite public recommendations for reforms to the country’s Constitution. Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, announced that this initiative will form the basis for face-to-face public consultations across the nation. The process is set to commence with a six-month period during which citizens can submit their recommendations.

During a recent social media update, Nandlall emphasized that the CRC will welcome both written submissions and oral contributions from the public. He stated that submissions can be made in person or via email to the Office of the Secretariat in Georgetown. However, he clarified that anonymous submissions will not be accepted, as each must be accompanied by a form of identification to ensure authenticity.

The public engagement comes amid ongoing discussions regarding the citizenship status of migrants and migrant workers from non-Commonwealth countries, as well as the voting rights of foreigners, including Commonwealth citizens, in Guyana’s elections. Additionally, there have been calls from opposition parties for amendments to the Constitution and related laws to facilitate periodic registration of voters, aiming to address concerns about the accuracy of the voters list.

Nandlall outlined several thematic areas that the constitutional reform process will address, including electoral reform, the structure of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), and the method of electing its chairman. He noted that international election observers have long recommended improvements to the voter registration system and GECOM’s structure to enhance its effectiveness.

Other areas of focus will include the protection of fundamental rights and freedoms, the rights of indigenous peoples and children, the elimination of discrimination, and measures to ensure minority representation in decision-making processes. The functioning of the National Assembly and local government systems will also be evaluated for potential improvements.

The Attorney General encouraged all individuals, groups, and organizations to participate in this significant national process, highlighting its importance in shaping future constitutional amendments. He also mentioned that submissions on topics not explicitly listed in the advertisement are welcome, allowing for a broader range of contributions from the public.

Source: demerarawaves.com