Three political parties in Guyana have signed the Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) Code of Conduct ahead of the June 12, 2023 local government elections.
People’s Progressive/Civic Party Executive Secretary Zulfikar Mustapha, Member of Parliament, Shazam Ally of The Citizen Initiative and Guyana United’s Mark France were among other party representatives who signed the code on Saturday at the Arthur Chung Conference Center ( ACCC). .
Several political parties, independent groups and individuals running in local government elections have indicated that they will not sign the code of conduct.
But ERC president Shaikh Moeenul Hack has indicated that another signing will be held in the new week to facilitate contestants who did not sign the code on Saturday.
“We are extending this deadline, in the hope that they will change their minds”, expressed the president, who added that it is the first time that ERC has signed a ticket for the municipal elections.
Signing the code of conduct signified the contestants’ willingness to promote ethnic harmony and refrain from hate speech before, during and after the elections.
“From ERC we believe that a Code of Conduct, in the context for which we are gathered here today as is the case in 2020, is crucial and helps to advance in the best interest of our country and our people.
“As a Commission, we firmly believe that, as a constitutional body born of political discord and in charge of promoting harmony and good relations, among other responsibilities, an effort like this signature becomes absolutely necessary,” said the president expressed
He reiterated the call for responsible approaches to ensure that the remaining campaign period is free from ethnic division, discrimination, hate speech, incitement and provocation, while recalling that achieving harmony requires a collective approach with the involvement of those who maintain and aspire to maintain it. public positions
“We are optimistic that with sustained and genuine efforts by all, the task of promoting harmony would become less difficult. The Code of Conduct therefore becomes an important step on this path; an ongoing journey that must never be allowed to let it end
“As we move through this sensitive period, there is a need for a multi-pronged approach to help de-escalate tension, as historical lessons remind us. The Commission therefore reiterates an earlier call for peaceful, free and fair elections “, he added.
