Dharmic Sabha calls for maturity, respect during elections

Election in Guyana: ballot box with voting paper on white backgroundGeorgetown: In the current politically charged atmosphere which exists in our country, the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha is calling on all political parties to exercise maturity and respect during the campaign season and as the country moves towards elections.

Below is a press statement from the Sabha:

“The Sabha has noted with dismay and concern a number of despicable acts which have been recently reported; notably the throwing of missiles and harmfulsubstances on women and children on their way home from a rally causing injury, the erection of effigies representing political leaders and the abusive and disrespectful language being used on political platforms. We would like to condemn those acts.

We call on leaders of all political parties to insist that their members and supporters refrain from any act which can intentionally or unintentionally cause hurt, harm or injury to anyone, refrain from using language that can be construed as offensive, disrespectful or inflammatory, refrain from unseemly and disruptive behavior at political meetings and from removing or destroying political paraphernalia.

The Sabha also strongly condemns the recent offensive comments of Minister of Health Dr. Bheri Ramsarran in relation to a female activist. The rights of women are sacred and the preservation of such rights remain the focus of all right thinking persons globally and locally. In Guyana, we have made significant strides in setting up institutions to safeguard these rights which should not be allowed to be eroded by persons who behave in an irresponsible manner.We are alarmed that a sitting Minister of Government should allow himself to be provoked into making such reprehensible comments.

The Sabha urges all religious bodies to join us as we advocate for an environment of peace, stability, responsibility, maturity and freedom from hostility and hatred before and after elections. Elections are an opportunity for persons to exercise their democratic right.  Let us all work together so that this can be achieved in a peaceful manner. The welfare and wellbeing of the people of Guyana should be foremost as we move forward to May 11th, 2015.”