-Are elections without disrespectful warring possible in Guyana?
ARGUMENTS are words exchanged by two or more individuals over diverse points of views or beliefs. The election period in Guyana is a time marked by arguments, which are often more heated than usual. Citizens daily discuss and, inevitably, resort to arguing about which political party is better suited to the task of running the country. They also discuss the qualities and characteristics of candidates, as well as anyone and anything associated with the  elections process in ways that can leave much to be desired.
What I’d like to know is if it is at all possible at this point in our nation’s history to engage in a political discussion and freely express oneself’ without getting into an intense argument or fight. In other words: Can we respectfully differ at election-time? And the answer is: Yes! We can!
This seemingly simple question, when posed to a few students at the University of Guyana Turkeyen Campus elicited varying responses. As a result of these remarks, several tips on how we can respectfully differ during the election period were deemed necessary. These are:
1.    Getting into an argument is optional. If the conversation is not going your way, WALK AWAY. What does it cost to walk away? Nothing. It saves you both time and energy, maybe even a friendship.

2.    NO STONEWALLING. Do not shut the person/s that you are having a conversation with out; they will become aggravated if you are only determined to air your views and expect to be heard, while you stand by and ignore their own;

3.    Never enter into a conversation about elections, or any other form of conversation, with the intention of proving the other person/s wrong. LOOK FOR A COMMON GROUND;

4.    If you feel that the other person is not listening to your point of view, be more assertive, but do not raise your voice above the conversational tone, and do not touch or point in people’s faces to try to emphasize your point. Be ready also to recognize when your assertiveness is becoming aggressive and counterproductive. Just end the exchange when it does.

5.    Be OPEN-MINDED. Try to be as objective as possible, and try to understand the other person’s point of view by truly listening to what they have to say. This is what you would like for yourself. Extend the same courtesy to others.

6.    AVOID OVER-REACTING to a statement you disagree with; especially, avoid saying, “You always!” In addition, do not bring up past conflicts between political parties to add fuel to the fire.

7.    DO NOT ASSUME what your partner in the conversation is thinking. This will result in creating hostility and misunderstanding; 

8.    TRY NOT TO CRITICISE or blame any political party for the situation you may believe you are in. The solution is always for you to be the difference you want to see.

9.    DO NOT ATTACK ANY POLITICAL CANDIDATE’S CHARACTER: This will result in negative feelings on both sides. Even if you do not like a particular candidate’s behaviour, the individual should have your respect. Speak about their bad policies, but avoid personal attacks.

10.    If you believe that the other person in the conversation has proven their point and you understand, SAY SO! Be the bigger person and admit it.

In short, we can respectfully differ at elections time simply by respecting each other’s opinion. As the saying goes: “I [may] disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it” – VOLTAIRE

Also keep in mind: “To repeat what others have said requires education; to challenge it requires brains”- MARY PETTIBONE POOLE.

Each one of us has to be the difference we want to see by acting respectfully and avoiding the pitfalls described in this article. In the end, Guyana belongs to the youth and we are saying now: “WE DON’T WANT NO WAR! WE WANT A PEACEFUL ELECTION AND A STABLE, PRODUCTIVE COUNTRY.”
For more stories from Guyana’s young people visit www.GenerationG.org.gy and GenerationG on facebook.