Since the tabling of the No-Confidence Motion on December 21, 2018, the Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) said that it has observed the ensuing political impasse and the fact that Guyanese have seemingly become more divided along political lines.
In fact, the body, in a statement, said that despite rulings at various levels of our judicial system, the impasse seems no closer to being resolved and, evident from some public utterances and through social media, tensions have unfortunately been exacerbated from all sides.
But the Commission said that it remains encouraged by the response and the peaceful conduct of recently held elections and wishes to once again commend all involved. The Commission nevertheless went on to state that it would be remiss if it not to state how concerned it is over the ongoing political impasse.
“The Commission respects the independence of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) as safeguarded in the constitution. The ERC therefore urges patience as GECOM executes its mandate to arrive at a date for elections,” the statement added.
It noted though that “In the interim the social fabric of the society will undoubtedly be severely tested more so, along political lines. The ERC, not unaware of this challenge, urges the relevant authorities to work assiduously to have elections within the shortest possible time in keeping with the Constitution and the rule of law.”
It added, “Guided by the history of the political climate that engulfs the electoral process and period, the Commission reiterates the need for a collective effort of all to place Guyana first and to ensure that hate speech, racial and other forms of incitement have no place in our public discourse. Despite our right to disagree, disagreement is not a reason for hostility and division.”
The ERC is therefore appealing to all of Guyana to remain calm and resolute and to embrace peaceful, harmonious and good relations in what it described a “testing period”.
The ERC has its genesis in the Herdmanston Accord which was signed on January 17, 1998 by the then President Mrs. Janet Jagan of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic and Mr. Hugh Desmond Hoyte, then Leader of the Opposition and the People’s National Congress.
The ERC has a constitutional and national responsibility to promote cooperation, arbitration, conciliation, mediation and like forms of dispute resolution between all bodies concerned in order to secure ethnic harmony and peace.
The ERC’s integral role encompasses intervention to mitigate social tension derived from political impasse, which if unresolved, will impact negatively on ethnic harmony and peace.
