GCCI wants code of ethics for parties contesting March 2 polls

The Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) wants a code of ethics to be implemented for parties contesting the elections in March.

Speaking at an event recently, President of the GCCI, Nicholas Deygoo-Boyer noted that “this is necessary given the contentious nature of our elections and the history of appealing to “ethno security” fears that have gone on in past elections.”

It is the Chamber’s view that future elections in Guyana should be about principles and visions for the development of the nation.

A code of ethics or conduct is usually a voluntary agreement on rules of behaviour for political parties and their electors during an election campaign.

Boyer referred to the old African proverb “When two elephants fight, it is the grass that suffers,” noting that the elephants, in this case, are the large political parties while the grass is the citizens.

He said the GCCI sees the elections as a chance to have national conversations about who will have the best leadership and policies.

He is also calling for more diversity and technocrats at the operations level of Government for more professional management of government institutions and agencies.

“The party that wins our winner takes all elections governs all Guyanese, not just its supporters,” Boyer noted at a GCCI event held at the Marriott Hotel.

General and regional election is set for March 2, 2020. The Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) has declared January 10 as Nominations Day during which the Commission will be able to say how many parties are contesting the elections.

Prior to the November 2011 elections, political parties signed on to a Code of Conduct formulated by the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM). Among the violations listed was the avoidance of all illegal and corrupt practices, including inducement and election bribery.