Gail Alexander
Don't resort to dirty tactics - and don't bribe voters.
That's among a number of points of advice coming from United National Congress leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar to her candidate team as the election campaign heads towards higher gear after tomorrow (Fri).
Nomination day exercises tomorrow are expected to be followed by a barrage of heightened election activity towards the August 10 general election.
Persad-Bissessar yesterday advised her team after she noted recent attacks on platforms of some political parties. She called on UNC candidates to be responsible and respectful as they campaign.
"As we get into the middle of this election campaign and the pressure starts mounting, I want to urge all of our UNC candidates to remain respectful, considerate and honourable at all times," she said in a statement.
"I especially encourage our new candidates to not taint yourselves in negativity and focus on the issues that matter most to people.
"We continue to encourage all our candidates to focus on our plans, policies and projects for improving the lives of our citizens and setting a sound foundation for our future generations to come."
Saying UNC was ready to govern, Persad-Bissessar added, "Our doors are always open to those wishing to contribute meaningfully to the development of our nation."
She said the following guidelines are to be followed in her team's election campaign:
* Publicly condemn violence and or intimidation against yourselves or anyone within your campaign.
* Do not engage in violence or intimidation yourselves, or in language or action which might lead to violence or intimidation.
* Do not publish or repeat false, defamatory allegations about political opponents, run a clean campaign.
* Cooperate with other political parties to avoid scheduling political activities at the same time and places.
* Do not impede access to eligible voters by political opponents.
* Do not destroy, disfigure, or remove other political parties' campaign materials.
* Do not bribe eligible voters in respect of the election campaign or voting.
* Do not abuse positions of power, influence, or privilege in respect of the election campaign or voting.
* Do not discriminate or attack persons on the basis of race, sex, ethnicity, class, gender, or religion in connection with the election.
* Facilitate the equal participation and access of all persons to political activities and to vote.
Follow at all times the relevant health guidelines pertaining to COVID-19.
* Cooperate with the electoral authorities in investigating issues and allegations in connection with the elections.
* Be respectful of private property when erecting and fastening campaign paraphernalia
* Always respect and follow the law when campaigning and do not condone any illegal activities within your campaign.
* Be mindful of traffic restrictions when conducting your relevant motorcades and be considerate of others on the road during peak traffic hours.