On the heels of the Opposition’s win of the no-confidence motion in Parliament on Friday, the Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) has issued a call for Guyanese to demonstrate added tolerance and respect for each other, as the country braces for the processes that will soon unfold.
Friday’s vote will see general elections being held much earlier than anticipated.
Calling Friday’s debate on the motion unprecedented and indicative of the country’s democratic process being at work, the ERC, in a statement, noted that the recent developments are of a sensitive nature and so the situation must be properly managed.
It noted the nation’s history of division as it relates to politics and posited that the “transparent and peaceful conduct of the November 12 Local Government Election” demonstrates that elections “must not be a mechanism to divide but one that becomes routine without fear of the process and eventualities as reflected in our history.”
The ERC, therefore, called for Guyanese from all walks of life to demonstrate an added sense of tolerance and respect for one another in light of the electoral processes that will soon unfold, noting that such processes are “vital to the sustenance of our democracy and present an opportunity for us all to collectively rise to the challenge of placing first the welfare of our nation and its people.”
“As we endeavour through these sensitive moments, all are encouraged to resist being overcome by emotions and to disallow the infusion of hatred. Let us remain mindful that all are sons and daughters of this dear land, dependent on each other for the creation of the mutually desired future. It therefore becomes imperative that each play their part responsibly,” the statement read.
Furthermore, the group commended the political leaders who stepped to the forefront to call for peace and stability, and urged that the motion not be seen as a cause for disruption within the society. “This is the maturity and leadership that are necessary and which must be sustained and holistic in the national interest,” it said.
“Our nation’s history is unambiguous in reminding us of the inherent challenges that unfortunately surrounds our electoral process. Clearly, the results of the said motion present another delicate period for our country and which uncompromisingly must be managed with utmost maturity through responsible leadership by all,” it stated.
“The ERC is cognizant of the potential for sensitivities to be heightened during this period and urge that the pronouncements and actions of all are not injurious to the process of fostering harmony and good relations,” it added.
