THE Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) has called on citizens and supporters of all political parties to reject attempts at provocation or heated confrontations against any party campaigning for the 2020 General and Regional Elections.

In a statement on Friday, the commission said that it has been receiving reports about heated confrontations during political outreaches. As such, it called on the public to shun confrontation and concentrate on the issues being put forward by the candidates.
“The Ethnic Relations Commission, (ERC) condemns the unacceptable conduct of purported supporters of contesting political parties over the past few days, which have resulted in heated confrontations in different parts of the country, such as at Wismar and Non Pareil,” the commission stated.

The ERC reminded the public that it is monitoring the political campaigns as it seeks to play its role in promoting harmony, good relations and peace in the society.
It also called on political leaders to urge their supporters to immediately stop and reject any inclination by their supporters to taunt, confront and intimidate others of opposing sides.

The commission stated: “The ERC wishes to remind that under the Laws of Guyana, campaigning by political parties during the elections period is allowed, but wants citizens and supporters to reject outright all attempts at provocation, and instead concentrate on issues being put forward by the candidates.”

Meanwhile, it is still engaging political leaders on its proposed Code of Conduct set to guide their behaviour for the upcoming elections.
The commission last reported that the initiative has not yet received the expected response.