BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – THE St. Kitts-Nevis Chamber of Industry and Commerce (CIC), St. Kitts Evangelical Association and the St. Kitts Christian Council have jointly produced a revised code of conduct to promote political maturity and tolerance in the upcoming general elections.
Dubbed Code of Conduct for the Political Process: Ethical Guidelines, the document was originally facilitated by the Christian Councils, Evangelical Associations and CIC in June 1995. The groups have now, however, sought to revise the content of the Code, as they view the ethical guidelines therein to be “still very current today”.
Although the date of the general elections has not yet been announced by the Prime Minister, Hon. Dr. Denzil Douglas, the heightened political campaigning and growing tensions between parties has compelled the CIC and represented organizations to appeal for an approach to the electoral process that is guided by a “strong sense of decorum”. Focus has been placed on having elections that are “free, fair and free from fear”.
To the Electoral Commission, the Code mandates that it performs it duties with transparency and impartiality, and to ensure that every individual who votes has been properly registered. It explicitly states that any person who is properly registered should not be denied the right to vote.
To promote political maturity rather than political emotionalism, the Code clearly outlines what is expected of political candidates, their associates and supporters. It firstly recommends that candidates need to “justify their suitability” by presenting proposals for the betterment of the Federation. The organizations also promoted politics that would avoid divisiveness, strife, civil unrest and economic instability.
“The emphasis must be on issues rather than personalities. Candidates must also avoid defamation of character of their opponents, their families and supporters. No abusive attacks or innuendos may be directed to campaigners or their family members. Candidates must avoid raising unfulfillable expectations and making unrealistic promises. Care must be taken not to incite sectional hostility or violence,” the code of ethics cautions.
The Code speaks much to a spirit of sportsmanship among candidates and party supporters, and encourages an environment of mutual respect. It urges stakeholders to respect freedom of the press and to respect that voters are entitled to express their political views without fear of persecution or victimization.
Another major part of the Code of Ethics is devoted to outlining what is required of the voters in order to allow fair and free elections. It firstly recommends all voters not to abstain from voting, and encourages them to seek to be honest with the information they impart.
The Code, however, cautions voters not to sell their vote, vote more than once or seek to vote in someone else’s name.
“Exercise your responsibility for the well-being of St. Kitts-Nevis by voting for a candidate of ability and integrity. Integrity would include adherence to the ethical guidelines herein.
Vote after serious consideration of all candidates’ policies. Each person has a right to his or her views and to support the candidate he or she prefers. Respect must be maintained for the opinion of others,” the document states.
An area of the report also stresses the importance of impartiality and accuracy from the media in coverage of the general elections.
The CIC and its partnering organizations urged all political parties and candidates to endorse the principles outlined in the Code of Conduct. Such endorsement would be demonstrated in a signing of the document at a later date.
