The five groups contesting the upcoming elections yesterday signed a code of conduct binding them to peaceful campaigning.
Presidential candidates Donald Ramotar, of the incumbent PPP/C, David Granger of the coalition APNU, Khemraj Ramjattan of the AFC and Peter Persaud of the TUF as well as David Subnauth, leader of the East Berbice Development Association (EBDA), signed the ‘Code of Conduct for Political Parties Contesting the 2011 General and Regional Elections.’
The code affirms each party’s recognition that “peace and public order, freedom of political campaigning, and compliance with electoral laws and regulations” are essential to the conduct of free, fair and credible elections. The parties have committed to act in accordance with all existing laws governing elections, including those related to campaign financing and accountability and the against the promotion of racial or ethnic tension. They have also pledged to respect the integrity of the elections process and to cooperate with GECOM, the police and the military as well as to gracefully accept the election results.
At the signing ceremony at the Umana Yana, Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) Chairman Dr Steve Surujbally called the occasion historic, saying that it reflects the coming of age of political maturity in the country‘s electoral history. He said that it was a day in which political differences were consciously cast aside and that “noble, visionary patriots” were effectively placing the nation first and demonstrating their willingness, preparedness and commitment to adhere to the rules set out by the document.
GECOM formulated the code with the input of the parties and Surujbally said he was convinced that the objectives and tenets enshrined in the document are “meritorious” and “virtuous.” He said that while signing the document was the correct thing to do, adherence to its contents would elevate all concerned to a “moral higher ground” away from the “currently deteriorating thrust and parry of political campaigning.”
Surujbally said the code recognises that peace and order, compliance with the electoral laws, respect for opponents and the electorate are of paramount importance and he added that it represents an “absolute sine qua non to the conduct of free, fair and credible elections.” He added that GECOM must not be put in a position of trying to manage and produce credible elections in an environment of hostility and turbulence. He urged that the code not be weakened by distrust or thrown into the dustbin because of petulance, vexation, petty discontent and resentment, or disappear into the fog of “political nothingness.” He noted that yesterday’s event was groundbreaking, in that it will make the political spectrum here an envy of political parties in the “sometimes turbulent” Caribbean region.
Following the signing, Granger told reporters that the APNU will be committed to honouring the contents of the code, but he noted that the coalition had several concerns over the PPP/C’s attacks on its members and associates during the campaign. He said that he intends to ensure that GECOM was aware of such concerns expressed by members of the APNU. Ramotar, meanwhile, noted that the PPP has had a clean campaign so far and he refuted Granger’s concerns.
Under the code, the parties have affirmed their rejection of the use of violence and intimidation by their candidates, agents, members and supporters, including the procurement, possession or distribution of weapons for use in political activity. In particular, they denounce the violation of anyone because that person’s political allegiance. They have also committed to non-violent relations and mutual respect for each other as well as with media houses and media practitioners, while maintaining their right to respond in a factual manner to evident media transgressions.
The sections of the code addressing the media were inserted after consultations with the political parties and appear to be a response to recent criticism over the singling out of private media houses by President Bharrat Jagdeo, who has accused them of being “carrion crows” and “vultures” during his speeches at rallies for the incumbent. The Guyana Press Association (GPA), the regional Association of Caribbean Media Workers (ACM) and Reporters Without Borders condemned the president’s comments, which they said were “inflammatory” and “designed to endanger the lives of media practitioners and their families.”
In signing the code, the parties forbid their candidates, agents, members and supporters from any act of direct or indirect intimidation of media personnel via the advocacy of banning or attempting to ban them from press conferences, rallies or meetings open to the public. The parties also undertake to reprimand efforts to subject media representatives to ridicule or censure in the execution of duties within the confines of the law and to forbid direct or indirect threats to them.
Other provisions in the code inserted to address recent concerns by opposition parties is a pledge “not to employ the use of state machinery/vehicles/equipment/personnel” for the furtherance of a party’s interest; a pledge against paying “bribes whether monetary or compensatory” to prospective voters; and a pledge to refrain from coercing party agents to switch sides with promises of substantive remuneration.
The parties have agreed to recognise the role of GECOM in resolving issues related to the code, including investigating complaints and taking necessary and appropriate steps to deal with them.
APNU accuses PPP/C of breach
Hours after the signing the code of conduct for parties contesting the elections, opposition coalition APNU accused the ruling PPP/C of a violation—a charge that the incumbent said was “ridiculous.”
PPP/C Presidential Candi-date Donald Ramotar signed the Code of Conduct for the party and in a statement APNU later said that the ink had not yet dried on his signature when PPP/C Campaign Director Robert Persaud, Chairman of Region Two Ali Baksh and Officers of the Lands and Survey proceeded to Charity where, from three tents, Persaud and his team distributed leases for land to residents of the Essequibo Coast.
APNU said this was a flagrant violation of the Code, in which parties have pledged against paying “bribes whether monetary or compensatory” to prospective voters.
The grouping added that it has brought this “unsavoury behaviour” to the attention of the Guyana Elections Com-mission (GECOM), which it expected will pronounce on the first violation, in keeping with its obligations under the Code.
However, in a response the PPP said that the distribution of leases to residents of the Pomeroon was done as part of a programme to relocate farmers from low lying communities who are often affected by flooding.
“The suggestion by the APNU that this is an electioneering activity is a ridiculous and unfounded claim and reflects a political party clutching at straws sensing its imminent defeat,” a statement from the party said.
It added that the programme to have farmers relocated to higher ground was initiated in May, with sums allocated in the National Assembly, and in response to residents’ demand the leases were made available so that they can occupy and seek financing.
“The PPP/C wishes to make it absolutely clear that the provision of goods and services by government cannot in any way be considered a violation of the provisions of the Code of Conduct. In fact, a cessation of the provision of services can be considered a breach of the constitutional responsibilities to the people of Guyana,” the statement said.
