As part of an ongoing series of initiatives aimed at preparing Guinea for legislative elections, USAID recently brought together 37 political parties to work out and endorse an election code of conduct.

During a September 4 workshop implemented by USAID’s partner, the National Democratic Institute (NDI), more than 60 representatives of political parties including the ruling PUP, Parti de l’Unite’ et du Progress, actively participated in discussions to determine basic principles of conduct during the electoral process. Discussions centered around the need to respect election law and the rights of citizens, and a commitment to non violence.

 

A sample code presented by NDI stimulated face-to-face debates among all the parties’ representatives, as they analyzed various proposals, discussed solutions, and tested new ideas. The sample code contained 45 articles that covered the entire election cycle from pre-election preparations to scrutinizing and endorsing the final results

Participants agreed to two major aspects of the code: Firstly, it should be based on sound principles of ethics in order to promote transparency, eradicate illegal activity and endorse the participation of women and youth as candidates for office and leaders of political parties. Secondly, the code should regulate all aspects of the parties’ relationships and serve as an instrument to achieve wide participation in elections.

“Political parties are the channels through which the citizens express their opinions, and without political parties democracy cannot exist,” NDI representative Raphael Ouattara emphasized.

In order to prevent election violence, NDI also stressed regular dialogues among political parties, police and other security agencies throughout the process. Participants from the political parties plan to endorse a final draft of the election code within two weeks.

“Democratic collaboration among parties is the first step toward a democratic Guinea,” An NDI representative concluded.