COP, UNC accord commits parties to integrity, code of moral conduct

The political accord between the Congress of the People (COP) and the United National Congress (UNC) includes a Code of Political Conduct aimed at fostering democracy through peaceful, free and fair elections without interference, fear, intimidation or bribery.

It also commits parties to the promotion of respect for human rights, the pursuit of civil and political liberties, the tolerance of divergent opinions, full and active participation of women in the political process and the inclusion of the various religious and ethnic segments of society.

It also commits the parties to uphold the national constitution and to address the issues and principles dealing with sustainable national growth and the socio-economic development of the people.

It expects from all members the highest moral principles and ethical standards during the election, including full cooperation with the police in maintaining law and order during election campaigns.

The parties will refrain from practices that promote divisiveness in the society and commit to the removal of any structures (behavioural, cultural, social or organizational) which reinforce divisiveness.

In addition they will take deliberate steps to publicly disassociate themselves from criminal elements and criminal activity, confine their criticism of other political parties to their policies and programs, past record and work instead of engaging in mudslinging and character assassination.

The accord also commits parties to forgiving one another for “past and present errors and prejudices, and to supporting one another in a common effort to overcome selfishness and arrogance, hatred and violence, and to learn from the past that peace without justice is no true peace.”

It expressly prohibits the acceptance of any inducement or reward and to states that no one must discriminate against others on the grounds of race, ethnicity, sex, gender, class or religion or seek to mobilize support by reference to race, sex, gender, religion or class.

It also states that parties must not knowingly associate with persons in their pursuit of illegal activities and or any kind of violence but rather actively cooperate with the security forces to bring such persons before the law.

It also establishes a code for the relationship between the parties and in the media based on respect the role of the media to fairly and objectively present balanced reports and information before, during and after an election.

The accord permits access by members of the media to public political meetings, marches, demonstrations and rallies and to take all reasonable steps to ensure that journalists are not subjected to harassment, intimidation, hazard, threat or physical assault by any of their representatives or supporters.