The March 2020 elections campaign is truly underway. Both the APNU/AFC Government and the Opposition People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPPC) have already officially launched their campaigns, while flags are increasingly fluttering in villages and along major roadways. In addition, intimidation and assault on activists of the PPPC have been reported, and are engaging the attention of the Police.
There were many reports of PPPC flags being removed from the poles on which they were mounted in various parts of the country. Following that, on Friday last, a group of PPP/C activists who were traversing through Laing Avenue were taunted and assaulted by persons believably supportive of APNU/AFC. Some of the PPPC activists had to seek medical attention following the incident.
There is no doubt that some areas across the country are generally identified with either the Government or the Opposition. In the videos, which are now viral, the assault in Laing Avenue, Georgetown is clear and unprovoked. The only plausible reason is that PPPC supporters, in the process of conducting road announcements designed to bring awareness to the Party’s elections activities, were in an area predominantly supportive of the APNU/AFC.
Given what transpired in Laing Avenue, it seems indisputable that supporters of the PPPC were not welcomed there at the behest of those supportive of APNU/AFC. This is not the first time that PPPC activists have either been prevented from accessing, or removed from, areas that are occupied by APNU/AFC supporters. A few days ago, PPPC activists and their vehicle were reportedly stoned while in the process of mounting flags in the Buxton area.
Simply put, it seems that PPP/C supporters are not allowed to access areas known for their support of APNU/AFC. That is not only unbecoming and unacceptable, but is a direct assault on democracy. Guyana is for Guyanese, and all must be able to have free access anywhere. None should be prevented, and none must prevent others.
There is no denying that tensions are exacerbated during an elections period. However, that is not an excuse to assault political activists who were peacefully executing their civic duty. There is no denying that the assault on the PPPC’s activists was unacceptable and unprovoked.
From what seems evident from the videos, the Police, after arriving, appeared not to be in control of the situation, and given what played out, it could have been worse had those who were attacked retaliated.
Guyana’s history reflects the sad results of political unrest, which none would want in these modern times. All involved therefore have a responsibility to ensure every effort is expended to effect peaceful elections. In that context, it is noteworthy that APNU/AFC’s campaign is under the theme of decency and honesty.
One therefore would have expected that, in the wake of the assault on PPP/C activists in Laing Avenue, the president and/or senior members of the Government would have immediately condemned what was clearly an indecent act by Government’s supporters. The delayed and solicited response from a senior official two days later was not only far from an outright condemnation, but one that seems to justify the assault.
That leads to speculation as to whether APNU/AFC is reluctant to scold its own, even in the interest of national harmony. The noticeable silence over the two days could be a form of condoning the incident. More so, the lack of an outright condemnation could be viewed as conflicting with APNU/AFC’s campaign theme of decency and honesty.
For many, decency in that context would be to honestly condemn such acts. At the time of writing this column, the President had not condemned the assault that took place in Laing Avenue. At the launch of the PPPC’s campaign at Kitty last Sunday, APNU/AFC flags were seen fluttering on the lamp poles directly next to the stage and on others in the vicinity. On the day of the said rally, reports indicate that APNU/AFC flags were being mounted in the said vicinity even as PPP/C operatives were finalizing arrangements at the site.
The point to note is the APNU/AFC flags were not removed before, during or after the rally by persons affiliated to the PPPC, or by anyone else for that matter. Also, the actions alluded to on the morning of the rally by those affiliated to APNU/AFC could be a direct provocation of PPPC supporters.
No one interfered with the APNU/AFC operatives as they mounted their Party’s flags in the vicinity of the rally site last Sunday. That’s a complete contrast to what occurred in Laing Avenue last Friday. The burning question for many is: Why are one particular set of Guyanese being intimidated and assaulted during this period? History may reveal a similar pattern in the past.
What is imperative is for the President, as the leader of his party and the coalition, to forthrightly and unconditionally condemn the attack on the PPP/C supporters. In the absence of that development, it would be difficult to trust his campaign theme, since decency must be demonstrated, and not merely uttered.
