All must ensure peaceful elections

As the nation inches closer to the December 7, 2024 general election, tensions are running high. The ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the main opposition party, National Democratic Congress (NDC), are locked in a fierce battle, with accusations and counter-accusations flying back and forth. 

However, amid the competitive campaigning for votes by the two main parties, the Electoral Commission (EC) has taken commendable steps to promote transparency.

The EC's decision to open up Inter-Party Advisory Committee (IPAC) meetings to media coverage and engage with stakeholders is a welcome move.

This was reinforced by  a former Nigerian President,  Mr Goodluck Jonathan, Chairman of the West Africa Elders Forum, who expressed confidence in the EC's competence and preparedness to conduct a free, fair and transparent elections.

Mr Jonathan said the EC had depicted, through its interactions and responses to some concerns raised by some of the political parties, that it was fully prepared and ready to deliver a free, fair and transparent election. 

“We had interactions with a number of people before coming here, and all the issues they raised which we put across to the EC Chairperson,Jean Mensa ; she has explained perfectly. And we have no iota of doubt about the competence and the willingness of the Commission to do what is right, come the December elections,” he stated.

It is good to be receiving such acknowledgements about an entity of international repute.

The Daily Graphic believes that the EC should continue to work extra hard so that at the end of the elections, Ghana will maintain its reputation as a beacon of democracy on the continent.

This will require that the EC fortifies its systems and ensure that all materials are delivered on time for the elections to take off peacefully.

Its voting equipment must not just be tested but adequate quantities would be supplied to each polling station with the right technicians ready to rectify any breakdown.

The EC must also ensure that its internet service provider is ready to deliver on its mandate. Many of us would not want to hear stories of network challenges delaying the process, especially when it comes to the transmission of results.

The EC must have a second plan in place to ensure that calm prevails at all the 40,649 polling stations.

The EC must continue to demonstrate its neutrality and ensure a peaceful, credible and fair elections where all parties will be satisfied with the outcome of the polls. That, we believe, would also go a long way to boost confidence in the election management body.

The Daily Graphic entreats the protagonists to help manage the situation by using dialogue or due process to resolve any issues they may have with the process.

Resorting to threats and inciting supporters to embark on violence will not inure to the peaceful accolade that the country is known for.

Every Ghanaian has a role to play to ensure that the country comes out of the polls in peace and not in pieces. And at this point, a lot of civic education and citizens engagement need to be done to ensure that play their part .

The Daily Graphic, therefore, reminds the EC, political parties and the electorate to act well by committing to peaceful elections in December so that the country comes out stronger and more united.

Our authorities must do everything possible to prevent violence during the elections. We cannot afford an individual shedding his or her blood because of elections.

By working together, we can ensure Ghana emerges from the polls stronger and more united.