The two main political parties here have signed a Code of Ethical Political Conduct ahead of the November 27 general elections.
The ruling Unity Labour Party (ULP) and the main opposition New Democratic Party (NDP) signed the code developed by the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Christian Council’s National Monitoring and Consultative Mechanism(NMCM).
The NMCM said that the code is intended to achieve several objectives, including fostering of democracy ‘through peaceful, free and fair elections conducted when they are constitutionally due in which voters are allowed to cast their ballots freely, without interference, fear, intimidation or bribery’
It is also intended for the promotion of respect for human rights, the pursuit of civil and political liberties, the tolerance of divergent opinions, full and active participation of all in the political process as well as encouraging participation in the electoral process by the people and to uphold their right to make political choices.
The code is also to ensure ‘the election process is free from fear, intimidation and violence’ with the NMCM also urging the political parties and other stakeholders to adhere to the letter and spirit of the Representation of the People Act.
‘Although this Code is not a legislative instrument it is expected that all signatories, candidates and the parties they represent shall scrupulously adhere to it since political leaders have signed. The public is invited to register objections to any breach of the Code and report to the Council and the NMCM accordingly.’.
NMCM coordinator, Godfrey E. Samuel, speaking with the Caribbean Media Corporation (CMC) at Tuesday’s signing ceremony, said that the body had not received any reports of election violence from individuals or political parties.
‘No. I think what we saw is like on social media, but in terms of a direct complaint, we have not yet received that,’ Samuel said.
One local media had reported that 19 vehicles had been damaged in an alleged missile-throwing incident in North Windward with the police later issuing a statement against political violence but making no mention of any incidents or reports of violence linked to the campaign.
But Augustine Ferdinand, who signed the code on behalf of the ULP, said that his party’s campaign billboards had been vandalised.
‘. we have seen some of our billboards defaced, or they’re being destroyed, to an extent,’ he said, adding that a ULP campaign billboard in Bequia was burnt while another outside Windsor Primary School, in Montrose, was ripped.
‘There’s another one before the Lowmans Cemetery, where the bottom part of that is also ripped. So those are what we are seeing evidently, in the public, there’s usual banter, but for the most part of it, most of our billboard properties in those three areas, I know, were defaced’.
NDP chairman, Daniel Cummings, who signed the code on behalf of the opposition party, said the NDP had not received any direct report of physical or other violence but was aware of an allegation posted on social media.
‘I think most people have seen an incident where a lady claimed that she sustained a wound somewhere on her forehead as a consequence of her having switched her political allegiance. That’s the extent to which I have seen, certainly, ‘ said Cummings, adding that he is pleased that the parties are generally not defacing the country.
‘For too many elections, we see in the streets littered with ugly signs that take years to go away; walls looking like some parts of Harlem.’
He said that generally, the political parties are using material that can be easily removed after the election and not deface the country.
‘And that, for me, is a significant improvement. And I think the National Monitoring and Consulting Mechanism over the years has had an influence on this,’ he said.
The code of conduct states that political parties and their representatives shall not deface public buildings, walls, streets and structures. It said also that the rights of private property owners shall be respected.
The lone electricity company, VINLEC, has asked political parties not to cover pole numbers with their election paraphernalia.
On Tuesday night, the police issues a statement appealing to all citizens to uphold peace, tolerance, and respect as the country moves toward general elections.
‘The Force has also observed rising political tension and urges everyone to prevent disagreements from turning hostile. All reports of threats, intimidation, or violence will be investigated swiftly and impartially, and offenders prosecuted according to law.’
The ULP under Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves is seeking an unprecedented sixth consecutive term in officce, while the NDP headed by Dr. Godwin Friday, is seeking to deny that feat.
In the last general election, the ULP won by a 9-6 margin.