GEORGETOWN – Some of the 11 political parties contesting Monday’s regional and general election Friday signed a Code of Conduct drawn up by the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) pledging to maintain peace and public order and compliance with electoral laws.
GECOM Chair, retired Justice Claudette Singh acknowledged that late notice may have resulted in some of the political parties unable to sign the accord, but indicated that the absence of any party from the signing is no indication that they would not adhere to the Code of Conduct.
“It is indeed refreshing to note that many of our political parties have readily consented to abide by the principles embodied in the code by their presence here this afternoon.
“I would urge all parties to adopt a responsible approach to ensure that in the days leading to elections, during the campaigns that they be free of hate speeches, incitement and provocation which may inevitably invoke emotions in an already charged atmosphere,” she said.
Among those signing the code were President David Granger and his challenger for the position, Irfaan Ali.
Granger, as he did in 2015, is leading the ruling coalition, A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) into the polls while Ali is the presidential candidate for the main opposition People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) that lost the last general election by one seat.
(CMC)
