In a significant move toward ethical campaigning, four of the six political parties contesting the upcoming General and Regional Elections on September 1, 2025, have signed the Ethnic Relations Commission’s (ERC) Code of Conduct. The signing ceremony took place on Tuesday at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC), with representatives from the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C), Alliance For Change (AFC), Assembly for Liberty and Prosperity (ALP), and the We Invest in the Nation (WIN) party formally endorsing the code.
The Code of Conduct commits signatories to uphold ethical standards by refraining from threats, harassment, or intimidation, while promoting mutual respect and responsible behavior during the electoral period.
Notably absent from the ceremony were the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and the Forward Guyana Movement, led by former PNC/R member Amanza Walton-Desir. ERC Chairman Shaikh Moeenul Hack reassured that these parties would have the opportunity to sign the code at a later date, as the Commission plans to set a deadline for final submissions.
“We will extend the period for signings so the opportunity still avails for the two political parties to come to the ERC and sign the Code of Conduct,” Hack stated, emphasizing the importance of unanimous support.
Highlighting the critical role of political leaders in fostering peace, Hack remarked, “Its primary objective is that the rule of law is upheld. Without the rule of law, democracy cannot flourish; there can be no peace.” He urged leaders to communicate with their followers to avoid exploiting electoral imperfections for discord.
While the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) will monitor polling day activities, Hack noted that the ERC’s code will serve as a moral and behavioral guide leading up to the elections, especially in countering divisive rhetoric.
Representatives who signed the Code of Conduct included Khemraj Ramjattan and Nicola Trotman (AFC), Eon Thomas (ALP), Zulfikar Mustapha (PPP/C), and Leslyn Lowe and Kerwyn Austin (WIN). After the signing, party representatives expressed their commitment to peaceful, inclusive, and principled campaigning.
AFC’s Ramjattan described the signing as “a step in ensuring the contesting parties will uphold good behavior.” He acknowledged the imperfections of the country’s democracy but emphasized that adherence to the Code of Conduct is essential for meaningful change.
ALP representative Eon Thomas highlighted the party’s focus on fostering equality and harmony among Guyana’s diverse ethnic groups. WIN representative Hana Mohamed echoed this sentiment, affirming the party’s support for peace, tolerance, and political decency while condemning racial and religious discrimination.
PPP/C representative Zulfikar Mustapha described the event as timely, reiterating the ruling party’s commitment to constitutional reform and efforts to unify the Guyanese people.
The ERC’s initiative comes at a critical juncture, as concerns over voter inducement and politically charged rhetoric have intensified ahead of the polls. The Code of Conduct aims to lay a foundation for respectful dialogue and uphold democratic integrity as Guyana approaches this pivotal election.
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