Promote peaceful conduct ahead of elections – ERC tells political leaders

– says Code of Conduct to be signed

The Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) is calling on all political leaders contesting the 2025 General and Regional Elections on September 1, to act responsibly and ensure that their conduct promotes national harmony and good relations across Guyana’s multi-ethnic society.
In a statement on Saturday, the Commission expressed concerns over recent incidents reported in the media that have increased tensions among supporters of various political parties.
According to the missive, “In light of this, the ERC reminds all political leaders of their duty to set a tone of respect, restraint, and unity, before, during, and after the elections.”
To this end, the ERC urges political leaders to denounce and refrain from all forms of violence, incitement, and intimidation, including threats or harassment at rallies, meetings, or any public engagement.
It also asked politicians to consistently urge their supporters against acts of provocation, intimidation, or hostility toward others.
The ERC added that political leaders must also avoid language that incites division or violence, especially along ethnic or political lines.
Meanwhile, in order to maintain peace and order during this election season, the ERC intends to have a Code of Conduct, which all political parties contesting the elections are expected to sign onto, declaring their consent to uphold these and other values during the period of General and Regional Elections 2025.
Notably, all parties that contested the 2020 elections had signed the ERC’s Code of Conduct aimed towards maintaining electoral peace.
“The Commission firmly opposes and rejects any form of violence or intimidation throughout the elections period. Specifically, the ERC urges against threats, harassment, or disruptions at political activities or in any public space, and urges against language intended to incite violence or hostility toward candidates, agents, or supporters of any group,” Saturday’s statement detailed.
Moreover, ERC reiterated that elections are a democratic right and must be conducted in an atmosphere of peace and mutual respect. It went onto to urge political leaders to lead by example and help ensure a safe, inclusive, and respectful electoral process for all Guyanese.
Ahead of the upcoming elections, 22 political parties have indicated their interest in contesting the September 1 polls and have since submitted symbols to the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) – 19 of which were initially approved.
This was done in preparation of the July 14 Nomination Day, when the political parties contesting the upcoming polls will have to submit their Lists of Candidates and Nominators to the Elections Commission.
The ERC Code of Conduct signing will be held after Nomination Day.