Four parties sign code to reject violence, hate speech ahead of Guyana elections

Four of the six political parties contesting Guyana’s upcoming General and Regional Elections have signed the Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) Code of Conduct, pledging to reject violence, hate speech, and racial or ethnic incitement.
The Alliance for Change (AFC), the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C), the Assembly of Liberty and Prosperity (ALP), and the ‘We Invest in Nationhood’ (WIN) party signed the pact at a ceremony held on Tuesday at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC).
ERC Chairman Shaikh Moeenul Hack urged the signatories to uphold ethical standards, promote mutual respect, and ensure peaceful, fair and responsible campaigning.
“The signing is not merely a ceremonial act, but a collective and deeply meaningful declaration of our national commitment to safeguarding peace, order and respect for the democratic process,” Hack said.
He told attendees that many clauses in the code are detailed in existing laws, including the Representation of the People Act (ROPA), the Discrimination and Prevention Act, and the Cyber Crime Act. He reminded political parties of their obligation to adhere to these laws.
AFC representative Khemraj Ramjattan said that while tribal instincts may emerge during the campaign season, he is optimistic about a more positive outcome.
“I rather suspect that because of the years we have been struggling for the democratic process that we are going to see changes for the better and notwithstanding these urges to get on bad that we will prefer the good. And in that context, we hope that all political parties are going to be engaging each other to the extent of trying to make sure that these principles in the code are adhered to.”
WIN party representative Hannah Khamelia used her address to allege violations of the code, claiming coordinated attacks on the party’s presidential candidate, Azruddin Mohamed.
She accused the PPP of conducting a smear campaign and alleged cyberbullying of female WIN leaders, as well as harassment and stalking of Muslim women and other supporters.
“The WIN party believes that democracy cannot thrive in fear. We do not seek special treatment; we demand equal protection. We do not want silence, we want accountability,” she said.
PPP Campaign Manager Zulfikar Mustapha expressed disappointment over the accusations, which he said were made even as efforts are being made to ensure a respectful campaign.
He rejected the claims, saying such accusations contribute to poor behaviour during the election period.
“If we continue like that, then… those values or kinds of behaviours will continue if we don’t respect what we sign here today, if we continue to make accusations and if we continue to make wild speculation. We should never as political parties try to divide this nation. We must never try to bully people. We must never try to impose our own will on people’s freedom,” Mustapha insisted.