Only 38% of electorate voted at LGE 2018

Only 208,534 voters cast their ballots at this year’s Local Government Elections (LGE), representing a turnout of 38%, which was a lower percentage than the last elections in 2016.

In 2016, there was a 47% voter turnout.

At a news conference at GECOM’s Kingston Georgetown head office Friday, Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), James Patterson cited “the apostasy of the electorate” for the low voter turnout.

Justice James Patterson said he found the voter apathy “very disturbing” but hoped that citizens will get accustomed to Local Government Elections with the passage of time.

He congratulated the election stand for the excellent management of the elections and he promised that standard will continue for future elections.

EDITOR’S NOTE: This story is developing and will be updated.

Definition of Apostasy: The abandonment or renunciation of a religious or political belief or principle. ‘the execution of their leader for apostasy brought widespread criticism’ ‘To believe something with a perfect faith, to be incapable of apostasy, is a sign of fidelity to the group and loyalty to the cause.