Latest update August 9th, 2026 12:45 AM
Latest News
- Govt. must now say what % oil profits Guyana is receiving as Exxon confirms full investment recovered – Opposition Leader
- US. Govt. to acquire bauxite mine in Guyana
- ‘Oil is not the curse, leadership is’ – Glenn Lall
- Iran says the strait won’t open until the U.S. ‘corrects’ its behaviour
- PM Phillips urges writers to tell Guyana’s stories truthfully
The widespread use of political paraphernalia in public spaces
Dear Editor,
Kaieteur News – As Guyana moves deeper into its pre-election period, we are once again witnessing the unchecked spread of political paraphernalia across our public spaces. Lantern posts, utility poles, bridges, and even public facilities like the bus shed at Number 19 Village, Corentyne (PPPC), are now draped in party colours and slogans. It’s starting to feel like the “Wild West,” where anything goes and no rules apply.
While we respect the right of political parties to campaign, such actions must take place within a framework of law, order, and respect for public property. The current state of affairs reflects a glaring lack of regulation — and worse, a lack of will — to ensure order and fairness in the use of public spaces for political promotion.
Other countries have not left this matter to chance:
Trinidad and Tobago prohibits campaign material on utility poles or public infrastructure without explicit permission from the authorities.
India enforces a Model Code of Conduct that bans political ads on public property without approval, and mandates the removal of such materials shortly after polls close.
Canada allows campaign signs only in designated areas, and municipal bylaws enforce timely removal and impose penalties for violations.
The Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), which should be the guardian of electoral fairness, appears to be asleep at the wheel. Or worse — selectively alert. It is increasingly evident that some commissioners at GECOM are more concerned about appeasing their political parties than about bringing the institution to international standards. The silence on this issue speaks volumes. How can we claim to be a modern democracy when we can’t even regulate where a party flag can be placed?
GECOM, in collaboration with the ministries of local government and public works, must issue immediate guidelines on:
- Prohibited areas for campaign materials (e.g., light poles, bus sheds, health centers, schools)
- Authorised zones for political messaging;
- Timelines for removal after the election period; and
- Clear penalties for defiance.
Let this election season not just test the popularity of parties, but also the strength of our democratic institutions. Respect for rules, public property, and national identity should not be sacrificed at the altar of partisan politics.
Sincerely,
H. Singh
Share this:
Discover more from Kaieteur News
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Similar Articles
Blunt of the day
Sports
Features/Columnists
Sir. Ronald Sanders
The GHK Lall Column
Weekend Cartoon
