24/10/2025
The Times of Linden - Region 10’s RDC Chairmanship Deadlock: Precedent, Politics, and the Search for a Way Forward
The Region 10 (Upper Demerara–Berbice) Regional Democratic Council remains in limbo following the 2025 General and Regional Elections. Despite the elections being held on September 1, 2025, the region still has no officially elected Chairman, Vice Chairman, or functioning executive leadership.
The political standoff has stirred deep concern in Linden and across Guyana, as Region 10 — historically seen as the country’s opposition stronghold — has become the centre of a new political contest involving four parties:
- We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) – led by businessman Azruddin Mohamed,
- A Partnership for National Unity (APNU),
- People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C), and
- Forward Guyana Movement (FGM).
The Numbers and the Deadlock
According to Stabroek News (11 October 2025) and Kaieteur News (18 September 2025), the Region 10 RDC elections produced the following composition:
- WIN – 9 councillors
- APNU – 5 councillors
- PPP/C – 3 councillors
- FGM – 1 councillor
That makes a total of 18 councillors, evenly split 9–9, since APNU, PPP/C, and FGM have reportedly voted as a combined bloc.
When the RDC convened in early October to elect its Chairman, the voting resulted in a tie (9–9) — and the process was suspended without the required continuation of rounds of voting.
What the Law Says
Under the Local Democratic Organs Act (Cap. 28:09), the election of a Regional Chairman must be conducted by the councillors themselves.
If the first round of voting ends in a tie, the process is supposed to continue with additional rounds until a majority is achieved.
WIN has cited Section 20 (6)(a)-(h) of the Act, which outlines the procedure for such cases, arguing that the suspension of the voting process is unlawful and contradicts both the letter and spirit of the law.
Legal experts note that precedent does not automatically award the chairmanship to the party with the most votes or seats. Instead, the selection is based on:
1. A majority vote among councillors, or
2. Political negotiation or intervention by the responsible authorities if no resolution emerges.
This legal ambiguity leaves the door open for both procedural and political manoeuvring.
Where Each Party Stands
- We Invest in Nationhood (WIN)
WIN maintains that as the party with the plurality of seats in Region 10, it has a moral and democratic mandate to lead. The party accuses the other councillors of “collusion to frustrate the will of the people” and has demanded an immediate resumption of the election.
In a public statement, WIN warned that if GECOM and the Regional Executive Officer fail to reconvene the session, the matter may be taken to court for judicial intervention. WIN’s leadership insists that democracy cannot function if legal processes are halted midstream.
“We will not allow the people of Region 10 to be denied representation because of political gamesmanship,” said a WIN representative, adding that “the law provides for repeated rounds of voting — not indefinite suspension.”
- A Partnership for National Unity (APNU)
APNU, which previously dominated Region 10 politics, has taken a more guarded position. Party officials argue that the leadership of the RDC must reflect “broad-based consensus” and that WIN’s approach risks confrontation rather than cooperation.
According to Kaieteur News, APNU’s internal discussions have focused on preserving its political relevance in Region 10 by working with smaller parties. This has reportedly led to informal understandings with PPP/C and FGM, forming a tactical alliance to block WIN’s candidate until wider negotiations take place.
“Politics in Region 10 cannot be dictated by a single personality,” one APNU councillor was quoted as saying. “We must protect the region’s stability and unity.”
- Forward Guyana Movement (FGM)
FGM, which holds the decisive single seat, has so far remained silent publicly on how it intends to proceed. Political analysts, however, suggest that FGM’s lone councillor holds the balance of power — and whichever side secures that vote will likely determine the eventual Chairmanship outcome.
FGM’s leader, in an earlier campaign statement, had emphasised “community-first politics” and pledged to act in the region’s best interest.
- People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C)
The ruling PPP/C has called for dialogue and procedural compliance, urging all sides to allow the democratic process to unfold within the law.
While PPP/C has not claimed interest in the chairmanship itself, its three votes have combined with APNU and FGM to maintain the tie. PPP/C officials at the national level have expressed concern that Region 10’s impasse may delay developmental initiatives and budgetary allocations that depend on a functioning RDC.
The Bigger Picture
This standoff reflects a new political reality in Guyana — one where multi-party representation challenges the traditional dominance of the two major blocs, the PPP/C and APNU+AFC.
WIN’s entry into electoral politics under Azruddin Mohamed has disrupted that landscape, particularly in Region 10. For decades, this region has been considered the heartbeat of Guyana’s opposition politics. Now, its leadership dispute exposes a broader national question:
How should power be shared or transferred when no single party commands a clear majority?
Political analysts argue that this moment could reshape local governance in Guyana — either through coalition-building, legislative reform, or prolonged gridlock.
Until the chairmanship is settled, Region 10’s administrative and financial decisions remain frozen, including the appointment of critical officers such as the Vice Chairman, REO, and Assistant REO.
What Happens Next
Three possible outcomes appear likely:
- Reconvening the RDC for successive voting rounds — as WIN is demanding.
- Negotiated compromise or rotational chairmanship — a possibility being quietly discussed among councillors.
- Ministerial or judicial intervention — if the deadlock threatens public administration.
Whatever the outcome, the people of Linden and Region 10 are calling for transparency, fairness, and urgency.
“This is not just about party politics,” said one Linden resident. “This is about our roads, our schools, our local government — and we cannot afford for Region 10 to stand still.”
Sources (Verified)
1. Stabroek News – “Region 10 council deadlocked after parties combine to shut out WIN” (11 October 2025)
2. Village Voice News – “WIN demands immediate resumption of RDC #10 Chairman election after deadlock” (21 October 2025)
3. Kaieteur News – “Control of Regions 4, 8 and 10 headed for bitter fight” (18 September 2025)
4. Department of Public Information (DPI) – “GECOM declared results for all 10 districts” (3 September 2025)
5. GECOM Official Gazette Results, 2025
6. Additional cross-referenced reporting from Guyana Chronicle, HGPTV, and Guyana Times
Ites this:
The Region 10 RDC remains deadlocked at 9–9, with WIN, APNU, PPP/C, and FGM unable to agree on a Chairman.
By law, there is no automatic entitlement to leadership based on seat count alone — the chair must be chosen by a majority vote or through negotiation or ministerial guidance.
The outcome of this impasse will test both the maturity of Guyana’s local democracy and the willingness of its leaders to prioritise governance over politics.
