THE code of conduct for political parties –- a guide to expected behaviours in lead-up to the May 11 elections -– is expected, before long, to be made available to contesting parties by the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM).

“It will be done before nomination day,” said GECOM Chairman Dr Steve Surujbally in an invited comment.

Once political parties sign on to the Code of Conduct, they would be expected to abide by its protocols documented in the code, all in the interest of free and fair general and regional elections.

As per norm, copies of the draft code have been dispatched for perusal and comment to the political parties represented in Parliament, as well as to those that have indicated interest in contesting the upcoming elections.
The latter is important, said the GECOM Chairman, who made clear that he favours a move for the Code of Conduct to be updated, particularly considering Guyana’s history.

“Political parties will, I am sure, sign; and as they did the last time, adhere to the tenents within the code of conduct for political parties. They may even improve upon the code of conduct,” Dr Surujbally said.

He said Guyana can ill-afford a backward step at this moment, considering the progress that has been made. “We cannot afford, as a country progressing into the developed world, (to take any backward step at this time), and we have every opportunity (to move forward) because of our natural resources and the ability of our people to rule and manage.

“…we cannot do this if there is bloodletting, where there are vexations to the point where it boils over. We have had this in the past, and it took us decades to get over. I do not want, at least not on my watch, for this to happen.”

Going the route of “bloodletting” will be an unforgivable move, the GECOM Chairman posited.

General Secretary of the ruling People’s Progressive Party (PPP), Mr Clement Rohee, stated that the Party is open to a review and subsequent strengthening of the Code.

He explained that once the draft of the Code is given to the Party, it will review it and make the consequent recommendations. “It is a very likely possibility,” he said.

The General Secretary of the political coalition, A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), Mr Joseph Harmon, and the General Secretary of the Alliance For Change, Mr David Patterson were unavailable for comment when contacted by this newspaper.

The advantage of having such an agreement in place, according to GECOM, is that it provides enablement to guard against confrontational and vitriolic election campaign meetings/rallies and statements.
Contesting parties view signing the code as a demonstration of their willingness to implement their respective election campaign strategies in ways that contribute to the maintenance of peace and tranquility throughout and beyond the elections. (Vanessa Narine)