Four parties sign ERC’s code of conduct, commit to ethical campaigning and peaceful 2025 elections

Four of 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, pledging to uphold ethical campaigning and peaceful engagement throughout the electoral period.

At a signing ceremony held Tuesday at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC) in Liliendaal, 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 endorsed the code.

The agreement commits signatories to refrain from threats, harassment, or intimidation and to promote mutual respect and responsible behaviour on the campaign trail.

However, A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and the Forward Guyana Movement, led by former PNC/R member Amanza Walton-Desir, were notably absent from the signing. Still, ERC Chairman Shaikh Moeenul Hack assured that these parties would be allowed to sign 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 said, emphasising the importance of unanimous support for the document.

Hack underscored the vital role of political leaders in fostering peace and maturity during the elections, noting, “Its primary objective is that the rule of law is upheld. Without the rule of law, democracy cannot flourish; there can be no peace.

“Leaders must understand and communicate with their followers that no electoral system is perfect, we’re all human… that reality must not be exploited to sow discord,” he added.

While the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) is responsible for monitoring activity on polling day, Hack said the ERC’s code will serve as a moral and behavioural guide in the lead-up to elections, particularly in countering divisive rhetoric.

Failure to comply with the Code of Conduct could result in legal consequences, the Commission warned.

The document was signed by 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 support for the code and reiterated 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 behaviour.” He acknowledged that while the country and its democracy are not perfect, adherence to the Code of Conduct is necessary to effect real change.

ALP representative Thomas said the party is focused on fostering equality and harmony among Guyana’s diverse ethnic groups.

WIN representative Hana Mohamed echoed these sentiments, affirming the party’s support for peace, tolerance, and political decency, while firmly condemning racial and religious discrimination.

PPP/C representative Zulfikar Mustapha described the event as timely and said the ruling party remains committed to constitutional reform and efforts to unify the Guyanese people.

The ERC’s initiative comes at a crucial time, as concerns about voter inducement and politically charged rhetoric continue to escalate ahead of the polls. The Code of Conduct aims to establish a foundation for respectful dialogue and democratic integrity as Guyana prepares for a pivotal election.