United Nations Resident Coordinator and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Resident Representative Khadija Musa is advocating for “in-depth coverage” of all political parties by the state media ahead of the upcoming elections.
“All sections of the media, including the state media, should carry in-depth coverage of all contesting political parties, for public education beyond purchased ads,” Musa told Stabroek News via email.
She also echoed the call for political parties to sign on to the code of conduct proposed by the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) over a week ago.
Musa also said she hoped that the peaceful atmosphere that has so far prevailed will continue throughout the elections contest and after, when she was asked whether the UNDP was concerned that there may be an escalation since the two main contesting forces, the incumbent PPP/C and the APNU+AFC coalition, have complained about the destruction of their campaign material and supporter intimidation. “We will continue to advocate with civil society for peaceful conclusion of the elections,” she added.
The UNDP country representative also reiterated the call for a peaceful atmosphere when asked if the UNDP had identified any areas of concern as it related to the current political climate.
Musa said since 1992, the UNDP has been supporting the effort of the government of Guyana through the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) and other stakeholders to ensure that smooth management of and a peaceful environment for elections.
“UNDP’s support to GECOM is based on the recommendations of the Needs Assessment Mission (NAM) undertaken by the UN Department of Political Affairs (DPA). DPA is the UN entity which is charged with assessing the electoral needs of member states,” she explained.
“I wish to highlight that the NAM Assessment does not render judgement on GECOM’s preparedness level but it solely identified areas where UNDP can support GECOM,” she added.
Musa said that based on the NAM recommendations, funds were made available to GECOM to purchase all terrain vehicles to access difficult terrain, voter education materials and the establishment of a media centre.
Musa noted that the support was not just limited to GECOM as a Social Cohesion and Peaceful Election programme, aimed at supporting civil society engagement and voter education, was also a recommendation of the NAM.
When asked what the interaction had been between the UNDP and the various other observer missions, including the OAS, Caricom, the Carter Center, the Commonwealth and the Electoral Assistance Bureau (EAB) in Guyana, she stated that there has been contact.
The UNDP does not partake in fielding observer missions unless directed by the UN Security Council.
