BRITISH High Commissioner to Guyana James Quinn has called on all the political parties to respect the work of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) and adhere to the democratic process of the May 11 elections.Speaking at the launch of the Georgetown Chambers of Commerce (GCCI) sixth edition of the Business Guyana Magazine at the Pegasus Hotel, Kingston, Georgetown, High Commissioner Quinn told the gathering of mostly private sector representatives that the diplomatic corps has been following the elections very closely.

“It is important that the democratic process runs its course and we have free, fair and transparent elections,” he said, emphasising that every voter has a right to exercise his/her franchise in support of whichever party he/she chooses.
In a message directed at the political parties contesting the May 11 General and Regional Elections, the diplomat said democracy is not a perfect system, but it is the best system of governance available.
He stressed that though sometimes political parties might not agree with the results, they must all come around to accept it, even if they do not win.
On that note, High Commissioner Quinn said it is important that the democratic process is followed by all political leaders and commentators, and equally important that everyone in positions of authority avoid stirring up tension through the use of provocative, disrespectful and incendiary language.
He also urged the political leaders to ensure that their supporters do the same.
Praised
The ambassador praised the political parties for signing on to the Code of Conduct for Political Parties and GECOM for producing the laudable document.
The Code of Conduct is not a punitive, but a self-regulatory and an easy-to-read-and-understand document. It promotes peace, order, compliance of electoral laws and respect for opponents and the electorate.
GECOM Chairman, Dr Steve Surujbally speaking at the recent signing of the code, described the document as the “Holy Grail” for campaigning.
“This code is more than a guideline. It must be seen as the Holy Grail for campaigning. It cannot be allowed to disappear into the fog of political nothingness…this code must not be weakened by distrust or be thrown into the dustbin by this evening. It must not be discarded because of petulance, vexation, petty discontent, manufactured resentment and theatric posturing,” Dr Surujbally said.
The GECOM Chairman added: “Statements made at news conferences and by road-side platforms should be to edify and inform, not to numb, mystify and create doubt and social unrest.”
High Commissioner Quinn called on the political parties contesting the elections to respect the code, avoid descending to the use of obnoxious language on the campaign trail, and to respect GECOM officials so as to ensure a smooth and a proper conduct of the elections.

Honour the code
GCCI President Lance Hinds also commended the political parties for signing the Code of Conduct, and urged them as they head towards the final days of the elections that they honour the pacts they signed, thereby enabling peace to prevail.
Hinds had previously called on all political parties competing in the May 11 General and Regional Elections to demonstrate maturity and ensure the process is violence-free.
The private sector executive appealed to political parties and their supporters to maintain a healthy political environment, pointing out that the latter, along with stability, are important for a successful economy and a vibrant investment climate.
Aside from the elections in May, another big event in the month is Independence Day – May 26.
Hinds had previously said: “Almost 50 years after Independence, we still have a highly combative, partisan political process, severely affected by race and class, seemingly unable to put the nation and its people first on a regular basis.”
At the GCCI’s 125TH Annual General Meeting (AGM) held recently at Duke Lodge, Kingston, Georgetown, he noted that the occasion this year is of particular importance as Guyana will be marking 50 years as a free nation.
What is also important, he said, is for political leaders at the upcoming elections to demonstrate that at age 50, Guyana has matured as a nation and has politicians who work together in the best interests of all its peoples.
Hinds, who is also Chief Executive Officer of Brain Street, a leading Information and Communication Technology (ICT)-based firm on Albert Street, Queenstown, Georgetown, said whichever party wins the elections should work in the interest of the country and the electorate.

By Tajeram Mohabir