PPP activists slam intimidatory attack on party flag by WIN thugs

…file Police report

Days after the Ethnic Relations Commission called on politicians to consistently urge their supporters against acts of provocation, intimidation, or hostility toward others, a police report has been lodged by activists of the People’s Progressive Party following what it describes as a brazen act of political incitement by supporters of the newly formed WIN party, led by US-sanctioned businessman Azruddin Mohamed.

The incident, captured on camera and circulated by News Room, shows WIN supporters aggressively removing PPP flags from a vehicle and tossing them onto the roadside. The act occurred in the presence of Mohamed, the WIN party’s presidential candidate, prompting outrage from PPP activists who view the behaviour as deliberate, confrontational, and emblematic of rising political hostility. In the video Mohamed can be seen watching his supporters act.
PPP supporters have decried the conduct as thuggish and undemocratic, as parties should be able to campaign peacefully in Guyana as the September 1 General and Regional Elections draw near.

Veiled threat
Further heightening tensions, Opposition Leader Aubrey Norton, speaking at an APNU press conference on Friday, issued what many interpreted as a veiled threat. “If the PPP believes in their stronghold, they will attack our supporters; it will be reciprocated,” Norton declared.

Meanwhile, Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Anil Nandlall, in a social media comment on the incident, said that “this type of political thuggery and violence must be condemned in the strongest possible terms. Hopefully, the Guyana Police Force (GPF) will swiftly #investigate and take the necessary actions.”
He added, “My information is that this political party is fetching around a group of persons whose main assignment is intimidation and conduct of the type being complained against. You will note from the video that the brutishness was not only done in the presence of the leader of the party but with his apparent approval!”
According to Nandlall, unsurprisingly, “There is an obvious lack of common sense to appreciate the consequences that will flow from reciprocity or, worse yet, if every political party is to engage in similar conduct over the next ensuing six weeks.  Hopefully, good sense shall prevail.”

Act responsibly
On Sunday, this publication reported that the Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) has called 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.”
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 the 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 on 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 on Monday.