Elections in Guyana: 2023 Local Government Election
With the United Nations estimating that 70 percent of Guyana’s population is currently under the age of 35, young people in Guyana make up a sizable portion of the electorate and have vested interests in contributing to decision-making that shapes their lives and futures. Recognizing the importance of young people as positive change agents, the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES), with support from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), is partnering with a diverse group of young people in Guyana to increase their knowledge of democratic processes and build their capacity and skills to meaningfully engage in public life. As part of its Youth Advocacy, Linkages, Leadership in Elections and Society (Youth ALLIES) program, IFES and its partners are working together to raise awareness for local government elections to be held on Monday, June 12, 2023.
Local government elections are an essential part of Guyana’s democracy. Through these elections, citizens living in a particular geographical constituency or area (towns, communities, and villages) directly elect local representatives who reflect their views and values. Local government officials make decisions that affect the well-being of individuals, families, and communities. Through elections, citizens can exercise their decision-making rights at the community level.
With nearly 630,000 registered voters and several thousand candidates, these elections are an important way that citizens can have an impact on who represents them at the local level.
Learn more about the election by the numbers below:
