A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) has opted not to sign the Ethnic Relations Commission’s (ERC) Code of Conduct for September 1, 2025 General and Regional elections, with one of its senior representatives publicly criticising the Commission for what he describes as consistent inaction and perceived political bias.
In a strongly worded statement, Pt. Ubraj Narine, former Staff Sergeant in the Guyana Defence Force and former Mayor of Georgetown, defended APNU’s refusal to endorse the ERC’s initiative. He described the decision as a “necessary act of resistance” against what he characterized as an institution that has “repeatedly failed to uphold its constitutional mandate.”
According to Narine, while the ERC was established to foster ethnic harmony and ensure equal treatment of all groups, it has failed to respond impartially to serious incidents affecting various communities — particularly the Afro-Guyanese population. He pointed to what he described as the systematic sidelining of Afro-Guyanese from economic opportunities, such as in the Mocha eviction issue, and from appointments within government.
“Where was the ERC when Afro-Guyanese were being systematically sidelined from economic opportunities and government appointments?” Narine asked.
He also highlighted what he saw as selective silence in response to controversial remarks made by high-ranking government officials. Among them, he noted the Vice President’s reference to a woman as a “low life” and what he described as disparaging remarks by the President towards Hindu religious culture.
According to Narine, the Commission failed to issue statements or initiate investigations into incidents that, in his view, fall squarely within its mandate.
“Even more troubling,” he said, “not a word of condemnation or investigation came when the President made disparaging remarks toward sacred Hindu culture — an act that should have triggered immediate review under the ERC’s mandate to protect religious harmony.”
Narine further criticised the ERC’s handling of electoral protocols, particularly its decision to allow voters to enter polling booths with cellphones — a move that has drawn concern from international observers. While the Commission later issued a statement about the legal implications of ballot disclosure, Narine said it failed to adequately address concerns about vote-buying and coercion.
He also accused the Commission of providing cover for political abuses by the ruling People’s Progressive Party (PPP), describing its actions as “laundering legitimacy” for a system that marginalizes significant segments of the population.
“Until the ERC demonstrates the will to act without fear or favour, to hold all violators accountable regardless of political affiliation, and to function with transparency and independence, it does not deserve the respect or cooperation of any serious political actor,” Narine stated.
He concluded that APNU’s position is a “principled stance” against “empty symbolism” that lacks genuine accountability. “Until then, the ERC can go exactly where it has already consigned its credibility — straight to hell,” he said.
As of press time, the ERC has not responded publicly to the criticisms raised.
See full statement below:
The recent decision by the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) to abstain from signing the Ethnic Relations Commission’s (ERC) Code of Conduct for the 2025 elections is not only justified—it is a necessary act of resistance against an institution that has repeatedly failed to uphold its constitutional mandate.
For far too long, the ERC has stood by in silence while blatant acts of ethnic discrimination and political bias have plagued our nation. While its original mission was to promote harmony and equality among all ethnic groups in Guyana, the ERC has instead transformed into a political instrument wielded by the ruling People’s Progressive Party (PPP) to pacify dissent while ignoring the real, lived experiences of discrimination faced by large segments of our population—particularly Afro-Guyanese citizens.
Where was the ERC when Afro-Guyanese were being systematically sidelined from economic opportunities (Mocha issue) and government appointments? Where was the outrage when the sitting Vice President shamelessly referred to a woman as a “low life,” displaying open contempt without consequence? What action did the ERC take when known PPP supporters flagrantly disregarded ethnic unity and decency in public discourse?
Even more troubling, not a word of condemnation or investigation came when the President made disparaging remarks toward sacred Hindu culture —an act that should have triggered immediate review under the ERC’s mandate to protect religious harmony. And yet again, the Commission remained silent.
When police officers blatantly disrespected and assaulted ordinary citizens, disproportionately affecting Afro-Guyanese communities, the ERC never found it necessary to even issue a statement—let alone launch an investigation. The list of ERC’s inaction is long, shameful, and indicting.
Now, on the eve of a critical election, this same ERC dares to present itself as an impartial arbiter of conduct? They now want political parties to sign on to a Code of Conduct, as though they have any moral authority left? Until the ERC demonstrates the will to act without fear or favour, to hold all violators accountable regardless of political affiliation, and to function with transparency and independence, it does not deserve the respect or cooperation of any serious political actor.
APNU’s refusal to endorse this charade is a principled stance. It sends a clear message that empty symbolism cannot substitute for genuine accountability. The ERC must not be allowed to launder legitimacy for a government and a system that routinely marginalises a significant portion of our people.
Until the ERC is ready to enforce its mandate fairly and consistently—without political influence or bias—it will remain irrelevant, disrespected, and rightly rejected. And to be perfectly clear: until then, the ERC can go exactly where it has already consigned its credibility—straight to hell.
Pt.Ubraj Narine, JP, COA Former Staff Sgt.(GDF), Mayor City of Georgetown
