Electoral System Reform for a Diverse Nation

Why has Guyana failed to realize its evident development potential? Why, in spite of its rich natural endowments, does the country find itself languishing on the bottom rungs of the development ladder? Why is it that General Elections in Guyana invariably bode episodes of social anxiety, disputed results and popular dissatisfaction that inevitably carry over to the quality of governance and national development performance? What can be done to achieve normalcy where General Elections are a democratic routine establishing favorable conditions for social and political stability? All indications are that the country's weaknesses are institutional, resulting in a constant state of political instability. Many attribute this instability to ethnic division which they see as a particularly intractable problem. This book sets out to show that transformation to a stable, constructive political environment is attainable. In particular, it demonstrates by reference to the growing literature in the area and wide international experience that well-conceived and executed electoral system reform holds the key to national political transformation. It makes the case that ethnic diversity is a cherished quality of the Guyanese nation and suitable electoral options are available to achieve political stability and progress. It stresses that in the final analysis, achieving political transformation requires a comprehensive negotiation process with all the significant social sectors of the community participating.