Ensuring peaceful elections: A call to action for presidential candidates

The recent peace pact signed by presidential candidates for the December elections is a welcome development but it is only the first step.

To ensure a peaceful electoral process, the candidates must take it a step further by publicly urging their supporters to shun violence.

This is so important that it cannot be overstated. In the last election, there was some violence which resulted in the death of about eight people.

Often fuelled by inflammatory rhetoric and partisan tensions, presidential candidates can help reduce tensions and create an environment conducive to free and fair elections by explicitly condemning violence and promoting peaceful conduct.

This is not just a moral imperative but also a democratic necessity. The credibility of Ghana's electoral process depends on the ability of citizens to exercise their right to vote without fear of intimidation or violence. By promoting peace and non-violence, presidential candidates can help safeguard this fundamental right and ensure that the outcome of the election reflects the genuine will of the people.

Furthermore, the candidates must recognise that their words and actions have consequences. When they make inflammatory statements or condone violent behaviour, it can create a toxic atmosphere that can lead to clashes with supporters of different parties.

By contrast, when they promote peace and civility, it can help create a positive and respectful tone that benefits everyone.

We urge all presidential candidates to take this crucial step and publicly call on their supporters to avoid violence. This can be done through various channels, including social media, public rallies and media interviews.

To this end, they can demonstrate their commitment to peaceful elections and set a positive example for their supporters to follow.

Additionally, we call on the National Peace Council, the Electoral Commission and other stakeholders to intensify their efforts to promote peace and prevent violence during the election period.

This can include organising peace rallies, conducting voter education programmes and providing training for election officials and security personnel.

Ghana's democratic history is a remarkable achievement, marking three decades of consistent democratic governance.

This milestone is a testament to the country's commitment to democratic principles and its resilience in the face of challenges. Ghana's democratic journey began in 1993, with the coming into force of the 1992 Constitution.

This constitution guarantees fundamental human rights, including freedom of speech, assembly and the press.

The media has played a crucial role in Ghana's democratic development, serving as a watchdog over government actions and holding leaders accountable to the people.

The growth of the media landscape has been remarkable, with the number of radio stations increasing from just one in 1993 to over 500 today. However, this growth has also brought new challenges, including the need to check misinformation and disinformation.

In spite of these challenges, Ghana's democratic institutions have proved resilient, and the country has made significant progress in consolidating its democracy.

The Electoral Commission, for example, has consistently demonstrated its independence and impartiality, ensuring the integrity of the electoral process. Moreover, Ghana's judiciary has shown its commitment to upholding the rule of law and protecting human rights.

As we look to the future, we must strive to preserve our democratic gains. This requires a collective effort from all stakeholders, including the government, civil society, the media and citizens.

By working together to promote democratic values and principles, Ghanaians can ensure that our country remains a beacon of democracy and stability in the region.

Let us work together to create a peaceful and democratic electoral process that Ghana can be proud of. The fate of our democracy depends on it.