Code of conduct for candidates

Friday, April 1, 2005

According to the election rules and regulations, candidates, their agents and their supporters are expected to conduct themselves according to a code of conduct during the campaign - set out as follows:

• Political Atmosphere - We the candidates, our agents and supporters will contribute positively to a peaceful political atmosphere conducive to free and fair elections.
• Laws, Rules and Procedures - We will act in accordance with existing laws, rules and procedures governing the election process.
• Respect for Others - We, our agents and supporters will respect the rights of others and in particular the right to hold and express contrary views.
• Relationship with Office of the Supervisor of Elections and Election Officers - We, our agents and supporters will cooperate with and give support to the Supervisor of Elections and his election officers in the proper execution of their election duties.
• Contribution to a Peaceful Campaign - We will contribute positively to the goal of a peaceful election campaign in every way and especially with respect to:
  1. urging supporters to show restraint against excessive exuberance in language and behavior which could be provocative; and
  2. ensuring that every effort is made to avoid any threats, harassment, violence that might cause disruption whether at political rallies or elsewhere, or any other form of intimidatory behaviour towards political opponents.
• Unlawful and Unethical Practices - We, our agents and supporters will refrain from illegal and corrupt practices designed to influence voters.
• Preservation of the Integrity of Civil Servants and other Public Officers - We will refrain from attacks, threats and other improper treatment of civil servants and other public officers during the campaign.
• Respect for and Cooperation with Law Enforcement and Security Authorities -We will show respect for and give support to the law enforcement and security authorities in the proper discharge of their duties during the election period. We agree that obstructive behaviour by candidates, agents and supporters towards these authorities should be avoided. Respect for Polling Materials and Polling Stations - We urge that our supporters show respect for polling materials and polling stations and not remove or damage any materials or cause damage in any way to any polling premises.
• Respect for the Integrity of the Election Process - We and our supporters will at all times refrain from interfering in any way with the polling and counting proceedings and refrain from attempts to spread false rumours about the election activities.
• Commitment to Implementation of Code - We agree that the proper implementation of this code by all political parties will significantly enhance the prospects of free and fair elections and pledge ourselves to undertake to abide by and act according to its spirit and letter.
• Acceptance of Valid Elections - On the declaration of the results by the Returning Officers to the satisfaction of the majority of candidates, agents and other accredited observers, the losing candidates will show magnanimity in their acceptance of the election results and the winning candidates will pledge to govern in the interest of all.

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