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Press Release From Independent Source

Code of conduct for political parties coming soon

Acting Permanent Secretary in the Deputy Governor’s Office, Mrs. Carolyn Stoutt- Igwe. Photo: GIS
The Deputy Governor’s Office is inviting comments on a draft Code of Conduct for Political Parties and Candidates in preparation for the next General Elections according to a press release from the Government Information Service dated 30 October, 2018

The Cabinet of the Virgin Islands recently noted and approved the recommendations from the 2015 General Elections Report including a Code of Conduct for Political Parties and Candidates during an electoral process.

Acting Permanent Secretary in the Deputy Governor’s Office, Mrs Carolyn Stoutt- Igwe explained that an electoral code of conduct is intended to keep the election campaign within acceptable limits, avoid clashes and conflicts between political parties or their supporters. It is aimed at ensuring order and avoid disruptions during the campaign period and until the results are declared.  

Mrs Stoutt-Igwe said that the draft code was developed after conducting research and is being circulated for feedback from political parties, candidates and other stakeholders. She said anyone with an interest to review the draft is welcomed to do so and submit feedback to the Deputy Governor’s Office.

It is anticipated that the feedback will be incorporated and submitted to be included in a schedule in the amended Elections Act, 2018.

The draft code is comprised of 11 sections, namely: Purpose of Code; General Principles; Application; Public Commitment, Prohibited Conduct: Politically-Motivated Violence or Intimidation; Prohibited Conduct: other Prohibited Acts; Compliance; and Duty to Cooperate; Conduct during Polling Period; Announcement of Results of Election and Respect for Media and Journalists. 

The Acting Permanent Sectary stated that persons have until Monday, November 12 to provide feedback on the draft Code. All comments and concerns should be sent via email to ahill@gov.vg.

The Deputy Governor’s Office is committed to promoting conditions that are conducive to free and fair elections and a climate of tolerance in which electioneering activity may take place without fear or coercion, intimidation or reprisals.

3 Responses to “Code of conduct for political parties coming soon”

  • ... (31/10/2018, 11:30) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    so what
  • Political Observer (PO) (31/10/2018, 18:55) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Oh boy, this is a pepper pot, an overreach in some cases. The best general practice is to under promise and over deliver. If a candidate is not outright lieing, who will be the promise police to determine if an action/promise is not attainable? The electorate, not the promise police, should determine if a promise is reasonable and attainable or not. The electorate is smart enough to not listen to or reward a politician or party for chatting froth.

    Truth is truth and truth matters. Truth may be painful to some but it is truth. If a party or politician is telling the truth and not libeling or slandering an opponent, all is fair in war and peace; a campaign is war. It is not for choir boys or the faint of heart. Further, there is a legal process for addressing libel and slander. Again, what legally happens on the campaign trail should left to the electorate to decide if it wants to hear it or not. Look as if there is an effort to sanitize the trail, make it politically correct, and speak for the electorate, for it is not bright enough and weak to think for itself. I do not like the politics of personal destruction but if a party or candidate is telling the truth and not libeling or slandering, let things rip. Again, the electorate will decide if it wants and likes this style of campaigning. It will send the answer at the polls. If the intent to control truth, non libelous or non slanderous campaign, why not just accept applications and let the electorate vote.

    Think the Governor’s Office is wading in too deep into the campaign waters. I plead ignorance on local election. As such, is election a local or a crown responsibility? Regardless of whom is responsible, the following is appropriate:”Meanwhile, other prohibited pactises include bribery, violence and intimination, and preventing local media from accessing public political meetings, demonstrations, and rallies.” Moreover, Will politicians be held liable for speech in the HOA. Is this whole charade a solution looking for a problem? Politics is a different animal to law, religion, medicine, engineering……etc.

  • wize up (31/10/2018, 19:16) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    life is very funny; we don’t need a code of conduct in our kindergarden children but we are forced to implement a code of conduct for persons seeking to represent this territory(big men and women with developed brain cells)


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