GEORGETOWN, Guyana, CMC – The chairman of the Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC), Shaikh Moeenul Hack, Tuesday underscored the importance of responsible leadership and national solidarity as political parties contesting the September 1 general and regional elections signed a Code of Conduct to promote a peaceful election.
“Let us also reaffirm that the political space in Guyana must never be reduced to hostility or intimidation. It must remain one of dignity, responsibility, and decency, where all citizens feel safe to participate and express themselves without fear.
“The Code of Conduct, in this sense, is not just a pledge made to the ERC; it is a promise to the people of Guyana, a vow to conduct campaigns peacefully, to reject hate speech and divisive rhetoric, and to put the national interest before partisan ambition,” Shaikh Hack told the signing ceremony.
He said the primary objective of the Code of Conduct’s signing is to ensure that the rule of law is upheld, adding, “it affirms that all political parties must conduct themselves by the laws of Guyana and must actively appeal to their supporters to do the same”.
Shaikh Hack said that while imperfections exist in all democracies, “that reality must not be exploited to sow discord, but rather, must be met with political maturity and restraint”.
He called on all political leaders to set the tone. He asserted that the true strength of a democracy is not merely tested at the ballot box, but in how its leaders conduct themselves before, during, and after elections.
Shaikh Hack appealed to all the political parties to choose the path of civility, maturity, and collective responsibility.
The signing ceremony was also attended by representatives of the diplomatic corps, election observers, and the media, which commenced with interfaith prayers for peace, from religious leaders representing the Christian, Hindu, and Islamic faiths within Guyana.
The political parties present at the signing included the Alliance For Change (AFC), the Assembly for Liberty and Prosperity (ALP), the ruling People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C), and We Invest in Nationhood (WIN). The main opposition, A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and the Forward Guyana Movement (FGM), were absent from the signing.
The ERC said the signing ceremony reaffirmed its constitutional mandate to promote ethnic harmony, safeguard national unity, and support peaceful democratic processes. Leaders and representatives of participating political parties formally signed the Code of Conduct, pledging to uphold mutual respect, reject divisive rhetoric, and prioritize national interest throughout the election period.
Following the formal signing of the Code of Conduct, the representatives of the political parties unanimously echoed sentiments of commitment and adherence to the principles outlined in the document.
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