ERC cites racially inciting exchanges on social media

…warns of consequences in racial hostility laws

As Guyana’s 2020 Electoral processes wind down, the Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) has had cause to issue a warning, reminding stakeholders awaiting results of the consequences of race-baiting and inciting. The Commission has since urged stakeholders, “to act in a responsible manner and to be reminded of consequences that can be brought to bear through the Racial Hostility and The Representation of the People Acts”.
The Commission issued the warning in a public missive yesterday and said that “as the country awaits the final results, the Commission remains mindful of prevailing anxieties. It fervently hopes that the results will be announced within the shortest possible time and that it will be respected.
“The rejection of hatred and intolerance takes the collective efforts of all…The Commission encourages all, especially during this period, to do the best we can to ensure that peace and harmony prevail.”
It was noted, however, that the Commission is also mindful of racially inciting exchanges on social media and said: “such posts are extremely harmful to the process of building harmony and tolerance which are crucial during this sensitive period”.
Meanwhile, the body also reported that having observed the electoral process in some polling stations in parts of Regions Three, Four, Five, Six, and 10, “has found it, despite some minor hiccups in a few instances, to be free, fair and transparent”.
The ERC said that overall, voters were able to cast their ballots in an atmosphere of peace while few instances which necessitated the intervention of law enforcement were timely resolved.
It added that a more detailed report will be provided after the completion of the entire process.