The Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) yesterday condemned what it called the “unacceptable conduct” over the past few days of purported supporters of political parties contesting the upcoming March 2nd general and regional elections.
In a brief statement, the ERC said such conduct has resulted in heated confrontations in different parts of the country and it referenced incidents at Wismar and Nonpareil.
At Wismar, a planned opposition PPP/C meeting was allegedly disrupted by APNU+AFC supporters, according to an opposition spokesperson. At Nonpareil, meanwhile, the APNU+AFC campaign has said, organisers were harassed, threatened, bullied and intimidated by persons who purported to represent the opposition People’s Progressive Party.
“The Commission calls on political leaders to urge their supporters to immediately stop and reject any inclination by their supporters to taunt, confront and intimidate others of opposing sides,” the ERC statement said, while adding that the body is engaging political leaders on those developments and its proposed Code of Conduct.
Additionally, the ERC reminded that while under Guyana’s laws, campaigning by political parties during the elections period is allowed, it wants citizens and supporters to reject outright “all attempts at provocation, and instead concentrate on issues being put forward by the candidates.”
The ERC added that it will continue to monitor the political campaigns with vigilance and play its role in promoting harmony, good relations and peace in our society.
