ALL political parties ought to sign onto the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) Code of Conduct, according to the Private Sector Commission (PSC) yesterday in a public missive. 

“The Private Sector Commission wishes to urge all political parties in Guyana to sign onto this Code of Conduct and, in so doing, to demonstrate the good faith and respect for the citizenry which is the least that can be expected of those who seek to govern us,” the Commission said.

The Commission also endorsed the idea of a self-regulatory code and also commended GECOM on the initiative.
“This is in keeping with the mandate of GECOM which is to deliver peaceful, free, fair and credible elections,” the PSC said.
The body added that the Code, in its estimation, sets out basic standards of behaviour required by political parties which seek to compete for leadership of our country.
“The Private Sector Commission believes that the voluntary adoption by political parties of a clearly defined Code of Conduct will demonstrate the commitment of all our political parties to ensuring that the well-being of the nation itself is their primary goal,” the PSC declared.

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Meanwhile, GECOM Chairman, Dr Steve Surujbally, in an earlier interview, explained that the Code has been circulated, and political parties are expected to respond to GECOM with recommendations to inform the finalisation of the document today.
Bolstering the legal framework, the Code of Conduct for political parties is a guide to expected behaviours in the lead-up to the May 11 General and Regional Elections.
Once political parties sign onto the Code of Conduct, it is expected that they would abide by the protocols documented in the Code, all in the interest of free and fair General and Regional Elections.
The advantage of having such an agreement in place, according to GECOM, relates to being able to guard against confrontational and vitriolic election campaign meetings/rallies and statements.
GECOM regards contesting parties signing the Code as demonstrating their willingness to craft their respective election campaign strategies in ways that contribute to the maintenance of peace and tranquility throughout and beyond the elections. (Vanessa Narine)

‘The Private Sector Commission wishes to urge all political parties in Guyana to sign onto this Code of Conduct and, in so doing, to demonstrate the good faith and respect for the citizenry which is the least that can be expected of those who seek to govern us’ — PSC