ERC has transformed into a political instrument wielded by the PPP

Aug 08, 2025 Letters

Dear Editor,

Kaieteur News – The recent decision by the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) to abstain from signing the Ethnic Relations Commission’s (ERC) Code of Conduct for the 2025 elections is not only justified—it is a necessary act of resistance against an institution that has repeatedly failed to uphold its constitutional mandate.

For far too long, the ERC has stood by in silence while blatant acts of ethnic discrimination and political bias have plagued our nation. While its original mission was to promote harmony and equality among all ethnic groups in Guyana, the ERC has instead transformed into a political instrument wielded by the ruling People’s Progressive Party (PPP) to pacify dissent while ignoring the real, lived experiences of discrimination faced by large segments of our population—particularly Afro-Guyanese citizens.

Where was the ERC when Afro-Guyanese were being systematically sidelined from economic opportunities (Mocha issue) and government appointments? Where was the outrage when the sitting Vice President shamelessly referred to a woman as a “low life,” displaying open contempt without consequence? What action did the ERC take when known PPP supporters flagrantly disregarded ethnic unity and decency in public discourse?

Even more troubling, not a word of condemnation or investigation came when the President made disparaging remarks toward sacred Hindu culture —an act that should have triggered immediate review under the ERC’s mandate to protect religious harmony. And yet again, the Commission remained silent. When police officers blatantly disrespected and assaulted ordinary citizens, disproportionately affecting Afro-Guyanese communities, the ERC never found it necessary to even issue a statement—let alone launch an investigation. The list of ERC’s inaction is long, shameful, and indicting.

Now, on the eve of a critical election, this same ERC dares to present itself as an impartial arbiter of conduct? They now want political parties to sign on to a Code of Conduct, as though they have any moral authority left? Until the ERC demonstrates the will to act without fear or favour, to hold all violators accountable regardless of political affiliation, and to function with transparency and independence, it does not deserve the respect or cooperation of any serious political actor.

APNU’s refusal to endorse this charade is a principled stance. It sends a clear message that empty symbolism cannot substitute for genuine accountability. The ERC must not be allowed to launder legitimacy for a government and a system that routinely marginalises a significant portion of our people. Until the ERC is ready to enforce its mandate fairly and consistently—without political influence or bias—it will remain irrelevant, disrespected, and rightly rejected. And to be perfectly clear: until then, the ERC can go exactly where it has already consigned its credibility—straight to hell.

Regards,
Pt.Ubraj Narine, JP, COA

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code of conduct, Elections, Ethnic Relations Commission's, People's Progressive Party

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