Latest update December 23rd, 2024 3:40 AM
Politicians sign on to self-regulatory code of conduct
– Should be used as the holy grail for campaigning
As politicians signed on to a non-punitive code of conduct to govern their behaviour as General and Regional elections near, stern warnings were sent their way by GECOM Chairman Dr. Steve Surujbally who
emphasised that decency does not have an expiration date.
Surujbally further maintained that GECOM must not be placed in a position where it must try to manage and produce credible elections in a hostile environment filled with “calculated coarseness, unnecessary vulgarity, and abominable attacks”.
Dr. Surujbally dispensed the words of caution yesterday during a “historic” ceremony for the signing of the code of conduct for politicians.
Before representatives of the diplomatic corp, GECOM staff, and contesting political parties, Surujbally indicated that the code was not a punitive one but was rather self-regulatory. He opined that its self-regulatory essence held its “greatness” as it called for politicians to show their control and political maturity to the voting populace.
“Decency does not have an expiry date; statements used at news conferences and on roadside platforms should be to edify and inform, not to numb, mystify and create doubt and social unrest,” Surujbally said. He added, “By placing your signatures on the document, you are in effect placing our nation first; you are demonstrating your willingness and preparedness to adhere to the rules of a code of conduct which you yourselves have meaningfully contributed to.”
According to the GECOM head, the code of conduct is “here to stay” and should not be weakened by distrust or discarded for personal reasons. He further said that the code was more than a guideline but should instead be viewed as “the Holy Grail for campaigning”.
Surujbally also said that adherence to the code will deal with, rather than promote, social fissures.
Speaking directly to the representatives of political parties who were present at the signing, Surujbally opined that “arrogance, aggression, slanderous and openly confrontational statements on the huskings or at news conferences might go a long way to ensure the discreditation of a politician.”
He also warned the representatives of the power they hold to better Guyana and to facilitate free, fair and transparent elections.
“Up to now, during campaigning, you would have talked the talk but now you, by signing this document; you’ll be walking the proverbial walk. The electorate is our country’s treasure; this nation is longing for greatness; Guyana’s future is in your hands. Treat the citizenry gently and respectfully, lest it be unforgiving at the polls,” Surujbally advised.
The signing of the code of conduct comes less than two weeks before Guyanese are slated to cast their votes at the upcoming general and regional elections. Furthermore, the disciplined forces are scheduled to cast their ballots this Saturday.
However, though the code of conduct was lauded by many, others have raised questions on its purpose when there is no mechanism in place to adequately deal with breaches.
Further, the code of conduct had been criticized for its lateness; since the announcement of a date for elections, a number of major rallies have been held. Even more notable are the explosive comments made on these platforms by politicians ranging from character assassination to fear-mongering.
Only a handful of political rallies remain now that the code of conduct has been signed.
The 7 parties contesting in the upcoming elections and which signed on the code of conduct are the A Partnership for National Unity and Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC), People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C), the Independent Party (IP), The United Force (TUF), United Republican Party (URP), Organization for the Victory of the People (OVP), and Healing The Nation Theocracy Party (HNTP).
Similar Articles
THE BLUNT OF THE DAY
Sports
Features/Columnists
Chilling reminders that we are not safe
Peeping Tom… Kaieteur News- Georgetown was plunged into shock and terror last week after two heinous incidents laid... more
Breaking the Chains of Poverty: A need for political will
By Sir Ronald Sanders Kaieteur News- The year 2024 has underscored a grim reality: poverty continues to be an unyielding... more
Weekend Cartoon
