News Source Guyana Reports : Moments after signing the Ethnic Relations Commission’s (ERC) Code of Conduct for the upcoming elections, We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) Representative Hana Mohamed accused the ruling People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) of violating the very principles they endorsed. In response, PPP Executive Secretary Zulfikar Mustapha asserted that the PPP would not be intimidated.
During her address, Mohamed expressed WIN’s support for the ERC’s efforts to promote peace, tolerance, and political decency while highlighting ongoing violations by the PPP/C. She alleged that the incumbent government has engaged in “repeated and openly” discriminatory practices against WIN, particularly targeting their presidential candidate, Azruddin Mohamed, through coordinated online smear campaigns.
“We call the Commissioners’ attention to the constant and deliberate discrediting of our Presidential Candidate… These attacks are meant to diminish his credibility and silence the hope he represents for so many,” she stated. Mohamed also noted that WIN women, especially Muslim female leaders, have faced targeted cyberbullying and harassment, raising concerns about the silence of religious organizations in condemning these acts.
She cited the Representation of the People Act and the Criminal Law (Offences) Act, stating it is unlawful to threaten or harass anyone exercising their political rights. “These are not isolated incidents. They form a pattern—a deliberate campaign by the ruling party to suppress dissent and silence voices calling for change,” she asserted.
Additionally, Mohamed criticized the PPP/C for allegedly exploiting minors for political optics, accusing the party of using children in rallies to gain favor.
In her passionate plea, she called for clearer standards to combat cyberbullying, harassment, and coordinated disruptions at political events. “We do not seek special treatment; we demand equal protection. Let this agreement be more than symbolic. Let it be the start of genuine enforcement, where no party, not even the ruling one, is above the law,” she declared.
However, Mustapha’s response was swift and firm. He labeled Mohamed’s comments as “unfortunate” and a spread of “untruths,” emphasizing that political parties should not seek to divide the nation or bully others.
“Democracy is stronger when it is inclusive, respectful, and guided by the principles of fairness, tolerance, and unity,” Mustapha stated. He reiterated the PPP/C’s commitment to a campaign focused on development and the interests of all Guyanese, regardless of their background.
Mustapha concluded by urging all political parties to embrace the Code of Conduct as a commitment to promoting peace, order, and respect for the democratic process, highlighting the importance of leading by example in the upcoming elections.
GECOM Votes Against Phone Lodging Before Voting to Protect Ballot Secrecy
