AFC’s Khemraj Ramjattan Calls for End to Political Tribalism Ahead of September 1 Elections
By Antonio Dey | HGP Nightly News
Georgetown, Guyana – Alliance for Change (AFC) representative and longtime political figure Khemraj Ramjattan on Tuesday took aim at what he described as “tribalistic instincts” and uncivil conduct on the campaign trail, particularly calling out the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) for allegedly engaging in mockery and personal attacks instead of presenting policy-driven messages.
Speaking during the Ethnic Relations Commission’s (ERC) Code of Conduct signing ceremony, Ramjattan stressed the need for political discourse to rise above hostility and set a better example for the public, especially young voters.
“There will be occasions when the tribalistic instinct gets the better of us… but we must prefer the good,” he said. “Political leaders must show maturity and lead with ideas, not insults.”
A Call for Principled Engagement
Ramjattan emphasized that the true test of leadership lies not in affixing a signature to a code, but in adhering to its principles in action:
“We hope that all political parties will engage each other in a way that ensures these principles are upheld. Signing the Code is not enough — we must live it.”
According to the AFC representative, many political actors retreat into divisive and performative behavior during election season — something he believes is damaging to democratic progress:
“When elections come around, we fall back into our isolated caves and behave like cavemen, instead of the human beings we ought to be.”
Criticism of the PPP/C Campaign Style
Though Ramjattan did not explicitly name the PPP/C, his comments were widely interpreted as a rebuke of the governing party’s campaign style, which at recent rallies has included mockery and personal jabs at political opponents.
He noted that while the AFC and other parties have been focused on articulating clear policy proposals, the PPP/C has frequently diverted attention with theatrics and taunts.
“It is the constancy of meaningful engagement that will get Guyana where it needs to go,” Ramjattan added, urging all leaders to prioritize nation-building over cheap political shots.
Background: ERC Code of Conduct
The ERC Elections Code of Conduct aims to ensure peaceful, respectful, and inclusive elections. Four of the six political parties contesting the upcoming September 1 general and regional elections have signed on to the document.
The Code seeks to discourage racial and religious incitement, promote policy-based campaigning, and foster a culture of tolerance and democratic maturity.
