Ethical behaviour is a responsibility for all political party members

Dear Editor,
Our democracy depends on our trust in politicians, who are elected to serve the people and who have the common good in mind. Without this trust and acceptance, a representative democracy is unimaginable. The People’s Progressive Party/Civic is an institution of central importance to our democracy.
The actions of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C), our leaders, elected representatives, candidates, constituency associations, volunteers, and paid staff make a significant contribution to the vibrancy and integrity of democracy.

In their daily work, they cannot easily be replaced. Politicians are held to a higher standard than most other persons, and rightly so. Rigorous criteria are therefore needed for political representatives, not only regarding the perception of their public service, but also their general behaviour. They must accept full ethical responsibility for their decisions, actions and omissions, and strive to serve the common good.
With that being said, PPP/C party members must stop operating as if we are in Opposition, and behave as winners of the 2020 General Elections held on March 2, 2020.

During the last five years, we witnessed a growing decline in trust among the general public towards APNU/AFC, due to scandals involving corruption, bribery and conflicts of interest, which have damaged their reputation and affected their political forces, their politicians and members of their party all across Guyana, including Ministers at various levels. Their influence on some elements of GECOM was also an increasing source of concern.

According to a recent report on the Special Audit done by the Auditor General, the former APNU/AFC Government was in breach of the Procurement Act of 2003. Such breaches of public trust by public office holders and politicians represent an ongoing challenge to the legitimacy of democratic institutions and processes. They negatively affect public accountability and political credibility, and they must be addressed at all levels of society. However, this is why ethical behaviour is a responsibility for all political leaders and their party members.

To strengthen people’s confidence in politics, the PPP/C is committed to playing a key role in the fight against corruption and conflicts of interest, together with upholding the duty to preserve the highest standards of integrity.

The PPP/C is not willing to accept unethical behaviour within its political family, and we will maintain a clean and transparent culture of politics at the service of our citizens. The PPP/C’s code of conduct not only affirms the central principles of our party, but also provides guidance in case questions arise from citizens, media, interest groups or businesses. These core values shall guide the conduct of all our members, party groups, member associations and their representatives. Decency, honesty and responsibility are values that have a tradition in our party. Passion, too, and a sense of responsibility and of proportion are the most important characteristics of all. Your personal integrity, credibility, fairness, transparent behaviour and accountability are also required.

The abuse of entrusted power for private gain, or the abuse of an office is in contradiction, not only with the principles of our democratic societies, but with the values of the PPP/C, for which the common good is central. These are principles and values which guide our actions.
Whether you are PPP/C or APNU/AFC, politicians must be independent and incorruptible; and those who exercise power must be bound by a higher moral standard. Our politicians will respect the democratic principles of the rule of law, and should be able to balance and weigh competing interests. They need to be level-headed, and not be consumed by extremism or populist simplicity. They are there to serve the various communities, they should never forget that they are there at the service of the people, and must have the common good in mind. They must have the courage to take unpopular decisions if these are in the interest of the people. They must be able to make long-term decisions if our democracy is to advance.
Compromise and consensus are an integral part of politics; personal attacks on opponents or members are not, however, and should have no place in our political discourse.

We must avoid the conflict of interest by always ensuring a clear separation between party and public responsibility. As we celebrate Christmas, we should all use this time that symbolises Guyana’s unity and our Guyanese cultural heritage. We should use Christmas as an opportunity to display all the good of our society, and forget all of the racial and ethnic differences that we have and give to those in need, realising that the greatest gift is the gift of giving.

Sincerely,
David Adams