AS Guyana prepares to conduct its General and Regional Elections, the Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) has issued an urgent call for peace and restraint, drawing attention to the dangers that attend ethnic and political tensions usual in election seasons in the nation.

The call is not merely timely but also indispensable, as Guyana’s multi-ethnic society has long grappled with the fact of polarisation during politically charged moments. The ERC’s announcement is both an alarm and a chance—a hope for Guyanese to go beyond rhetoric that segregates and to embrace the ideals of harmony, respect and unity.

The ERC’s denunciation of hate speech and disinformation online and offline is an indication of the pervasive presence of hate speech and disinformation. In this age of cybercommunication, where one posting can trigger passion across communities, the commission’s appeal to citizens to talk back constructively is a reminder that words have power—both as tools of division and instruments of healing.

Political leaders and their supporters must take heed of this accusation, knowing that they are setting the tone for national discourse. Failing to do so risks further polarising ethnic cleavages long entrenched in Guyana’s politics.

High stakes are involved. Guyana’s elections have consistently been marred by allegations of fraud, ethnic discrimination and even violence. The recollections of electoral turbulence were still raw in the national psyche, but they also present an opportunity for change. The ERC’s efforts, including its “Countering Hate Speech” campaign and collaborations with global organisations such as the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), exemplify active measures towards building resilience against polarising narratives.

These efforts need to be backed by all stakeholders, ranging from political parties to civil society, to bear fruit. The publication of such reports serves a very important purpose. But unity is not to be gained on platitudes alone; it must be built on confronting systemic concerns that drive division.

Economic disparities and perceived ethnic bias in the distribution of resources persist and agitate. As the oil economy of Guyana expands, it is crucial that its prosperity is spread evenly across all ethnic groups to avoid further polarisation. Political parties, particularly the PNCR and the AFC, need to move beyond ethnic mobilisation and appeal to policies that enable inclusivity and collective growth.

This election cycle offers a chance for Guyanese to restart their political culture—not as one of competition, but of co-operation. The ERC’s call to “walk together” needs to be sung from the heart of every community to remind citizens of the higher, unbreakable heritage that separates them much more than any disagreement. As wisely put by Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo, Guyana has once demonstrated remarkable maturity in moving beyond hard issues of the past. This resilience will now have to be directed inward toward building bridges and not walls.

Lastly, peace is not only the duty of leaders but also that of all citizens. Rejecting hate speech, embracing diversity, and prioritising national interest over partisan advantage are not ideals but imperatives for safeguarding Guyana’s future. During the campaign season, let this be a moment when Guyanese show themselves and the world that unity is not only possible but inevitable, when guided by respect and understanding for each other.