A proposed Code of Conduct for political candidates, political parties and independent candidates has now been published on the Anguilla Government’s website as the 2020 general election and at large voting draw near.
An interesting and necessary part of the Code is sub-headed “Respect for Media and Journalists”.
The four-page document reads as follows:
Purpose of Code
1. This Code is a voluntary agreement which seeks to create an atmosphere which lends itself to the conduct of free, fair and peaceful elections without conflict, fear or intimidation in all activity relating to political campaigning.
General Principles
2. (i) All political parties, their members and supporters, and all candidates and their supporters, must accept that individuals have the right to their own political ideas which can be presented without fear of reprisal or intimidation. This right MUST be respected.
(ii) Candidates must avoid the defamation of character of their opponents, families and supporters. Emphasis should be placed on issues and not personalities.
(iii) Absolutely no abusive attacks should be directed to campaigners or their family members whether it be because of political affiliation, social origin, race, education, gender, religion, etc.
(iv) Candidates must be as truthful as possible about the past and present socio-economic state of Anguilla.
(v) Persons registered to vote must be able to do so freely without being victimized, interfered with, intimidated or offered favors.
Prohibited Conduct
3. (i) Publishing of false allegations about a party, its candidates, representatives or members.
(ii) Preventing the distribution of leaflets and the display of posters by other candidates
(iii) Bribing voters to vote in a particular manner
(iv) Bribing an election official to induce him or her to make a false entry of votes, alter, or falsify election results.
(v) Publishing personal information about voters on the voters’ list supplied by the Central Electoral Office or using the information on the voters list to harass/intimidate voters.
(vi) Damaging or defacing property, including posters, banners or any other form of election material belonging to opposing candidates.
(vii) Carrying or displaying weapons at political meetings, demonstrations, rallies or other political events.
(viii) Using bribes or any kinds or inducements to persons for them to participate in activities of a political party not of their choice.
Conduct during Polling Period
4. At midnight before polling day until polling stations are closed on that day, no political party or candidate may –
(i) hold public gatherings of any kind
(ii) disrupt the work of election officials at polling or counting stations
(iii) be the cause of or permit the publication of any advertisement or statement promoting or opposing a particular party or candidate.
5. On polling day all political parties, their members, supporters and all candidates and their supporters, must –
(i) conduct themselves so as to respect the secrecy and integrity of the ballots.
(ii) co-operate with election officials to ensure polling goes as orderly as possible. Respect for Media and Journalists
6. Every political party and candidate must
(i) show respect for news media before, during and after the election
(ii) ensure that no media agent is being subjected to harassment, threats or physical assault by their representatives/supporters
(iii) not deny members of news media access to public political meetings, marches, rallies, etc.
Compliance
7. Every political party and candidate alike, is expected to pledge to comply with this Code.
(i) A political party, will instruct its candidates, persons who hold political office in the party and its representatives, members and supporters to comply with this code and any relevant electoral and general laws.
(ii) A candidate, will instruct any representative and supporters of the candidate to comply with Code and any relevant electoral and general laws.
Every political party should prevent their office-bearers, members and supporters from violating this Code and any applicable electoral or general law, and take the necessary disciplinary action against those that do. This applies to candidates and their representatives and supporters as well.
Duty to Co-operate
8. Every candidate and political party must co-operate:
(i) with other parties to avoid electoral-related conflict as much as possible; such as calling public meetings, marches or rallies that clash with those called by another party or candidate contesting the election.
(ii) with police officers to maintain peace during the election period.
(iii) with election authorities to protect and uplift their role to supervise and administer elections
