Introduction
Based on discussions with a select group of Guyanese civil society organizations with an interest in extractive governance, anti-corruption, indigenous People’s rights, social justice, press freedom and environmental protection, the following eligibility criteria and nomination process were recommended for completing the selection process for civil society representation on the GYEITI MSG.
Eligibility
- Definition – The EITI Articles of Association, Article 5, 2(c), notes that the civil society constituency “comprises local civil society groups, non-governmental organisations, global action networks and coalitions that support the objective of the EITI Association as defined by the EITI Board”. A civil society organisation, wishing to serve on the GYEITI MSG, shall have no private sector alignment and be representative of a wider thematic constituency.
- Representation – In keeping with best practice, civil society representation on the MSG is based on organizational representation only.
- Competence – A civil society organization should demonstrate a proven track record of extractive sector activism and/or knowledge of key extractive sector issues for a five-year period prior to nomination. The organization shall provide documentary evidence not limited to website/social media posts, press releases, published articles, policy briefs etc.
- Financial Independence and Governance – A civil society organization shall be financially and operationally independent from Government and extractive sector companies. The organization shall also possess registration documents/articles of incorporation, evidence of establishment/existence for over 2 years, and tax clearance or document as evidence that it is free from debt to government. The organization should, where applicable, provide a statement of assets and income or financial statements.
- Moral Standing – the organization shall be in good moral standing, including free of legal rulings and liens against the organization that undermine its credibility.
Nomination Notice
The call for nominations to the GYEITI civil society constituency shall give civil society organizations three weeks’ notice for the national nomination meeting. Invitations should be sent via traditional and digital media channels with relevant follow-ups to ensure diverse participation. The eligibility criteria and nomination process shall also be shared at the time of the call for nominations.
Voting and Nomination Procedures
- Open call – At the nomination meeting, civil society organizations meeting the eligibility criteria can nominate their prospective GYETITI MSG representatives.
- Vetting Panel Review – A vetting panel consisting of two civil society nominees, the convenor and an independent EITI International facilitator will determine if prospective nominees meet the eligibility criteria before voting proceeds.
- Voting system – After the vetting panel review, there will be a vote for the approved nominees. The voting system will be an equal-weight voting system where each organization has one vote.
- Approval – After votes are tabulated, the successful civil society representatives’ names will be forwarded, by the convener, to the EITI Champion for appointment to the MSG.
