By Sue-Ann Wayow
THE People’s National Movement (PNM) has again violated the Code of Ethical Political Conduct.
This is the second time, the Council for Responsible Political Behaviour is advising the PNM to adhere to the Code as committed to by its political leader Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley.
Dr Rowley himself has been reminded for a second time to be mindful of the language he uses on the political platform.
The Council led by chairman Dr Bishnu Ragoonath met on Monday to consider two complaints issued by the United National Congress (UNC), one stemming from a political platform, the other from political advertising.
The UNC wrote two separate letters to the council with their complaints.
The first complaint related to the language used by Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley on the PNM platform at a meeting in San Fernando on July 15 when he insinuated that the UNC was responsible for a shootout in Port of Spain.
The UNC claimed that Dr Rowley’s statements were based on a false and unsubstantiated allegation which was inflammatory, divisive, and had the potential of inciting violence.
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A review of the recording noted that Dr Rowley did not name any party or person, but based on the policy proposal being discussed, it was clear that reference was being made to the UNC and its female leader, the Council stated in a media release on Tuesday.
The Council stated, “Within the ‘Commitment’ section of the Code of Ethical Political Conduct it is accepted that policies and/or programmes as advocated by other parties are open to criticism, and to this extent there was no breach of the Code.
“However, in making the said criticisms of policies as advocated by the UNC, Dr Rowley went on to allude to events which have not been linked to the UNC and as such, those statements can be deemed to be unsubstantiated allegations, and this is in breach of the Code.
“Continuing this part of his speech, Dr Rowley, again without calling any name, but still referring to the policy proposed by the UNC, spoke in derogatory terms of a political leader.
“This is unacceptable and to that end he is in clear breach of the clause of the Code which reads: Not make false or defamatory allegations in print or speech in connection with an election in respect of a Party, its Candidates, representatives or members.”
For the second complaint, the UNC made reference to two advertising flyers of two PNM Candidates for the Mayaro/Rio Claro Regional Corporation.
The complaint by the UNC is that these PNM candidates are advertising themselves as having the ability to assist or facilitate the access to state-controlled grants. The issue was also raised by UNC political leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar on Monday at a political meeting in Macoya.
Two flyers were supplied to the Council, and while one speaks to “offering assistance to the public” the other is more bold and troubling since, under the candidate’s name, it simply states “Apply Now – Grants available” the Council stated.
That flyer goes on to list items such as ‘Food Card,’ ‘House Wiring,’ ‘HDC housing,’ ‘Public Assistance and many more’ and thereafter gives contact information.
The Council stated it was investigating the authenticity of that flyer.
While it is not improper to offer assistance in completing the application form for grants or even for HDC houses, the tone of the second flyer, however, is not focused on assistance, and to this end, this flyer presents itself as an inducement for persons to visit the campaign offices of PNM candidates in order that they access various state managed services, the release stated.
The Council stated, “With the PNM holding the central government, these advertisements give the impression that state resources are being channelled through the campaign offices of PNM candidates.”
The Code specifically states that it is prohibited to use funds derived from any source, public or private, to improperly influence electoral choices.
“Based on the complaints considered above, the Council calls once again on Dr Rowley to be mindful of the use of language in the campaign. The Council also calls on the PNM to ensure that its candidates desist from giving the impression that grants can be on offer as inducements, particularly so when such will utilise state resources,” the release stated.
The Council also reiterated its call to all political leaders, political parties, and candidates to obey the Code which leaders have endorsed.
