ERC calls on politicians to put end to supporters’ provocative behaviour

In light of the many cases involving hostile interactions between the supporters of contesting political parties, the Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) is calling on political leaders to urge their supporters to immediately stop any inclination to taunt, confront and intimidate others of opposing sides.

In a statement on Friday, the Commission condemned the conduct of these persons stating that such behaviours have resulted in heated confrontations in different parts of the country, such as at Wismar and Non Pariel.
“The Commission calls on political leaders to urge their supporters to immediately stop and reject any inclination by their supporters to taunt, confront and intimidate others of opposing sides. The ERC is engaging political leaders on those developments and its proposed code of conduct as well,” ERC stated.
As such, political supporters are being encouraged to desist from these provocative behaviours and instead concentrate on issues being put forward by the candidates. But even so, the Commission committed to monitoring the political campaigns with vigilance and play its role in promoting harmony, good relations and peace in our society.
Earlier in January, Former parliamentarian Harry Gill along with with other members of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) were attacked while erecting elections campaign flags at Number 10 Village, West Coast Berbice.
The incident, which was captured on camera, shows persons verbally abusing and physically blocking the team as they attempted to place the flags on the utility poles.
Also, during that time, a PPP/C organised public meeting at Mocha, East Bank Demerara (EBD), was disrupted by supporters of the coalition Government, which resulted in the meeting being cancelled.
At a recent press conference, the Commission revealed that some political parties are yet to sign on to its code of conduct even after it engaged them on what it entails.
ERC’s code of conduct is a pledge to ensure these parties’ messages are free of any form of discrimination and that politicians campaigning for the upcoming March 2 elections are held accountable for their actions.