Civic Forum Initiative urges seamless transition, calm in election aftermath

The Civic Forum Initiative (CFI) has called on all stakeholders to support a peaceful transition of power and resist actions that can jeopardise the stability of the country. 

It also called on leaders of the various political parties, especially the National Democratic Congress and the New Patriotic Party to impress on their supporters to withdraw from collation centres yet to declare results.

That, it said, would help calm tensions and create a conducive environment for the Electoral Commission (EC) to perform its constitutional duty.

The appeal comes as the country waits for the official announcement of the presidential election results.

This was contained in a statement jointly signed by the Chairperson of the CFI, Dr Angela Dwamena-Aboagye, and the Executive Director of the Institute for Democratic Governance (IDEG), Dr Emmanuel Akwetey.

Seamless transition

It emphasised the importance of a seamless transition, saying, "When the EC announces the president-elect, we would rise  as a nation to applaud the new standards set by the two leaders."

It commended Vice-President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia’s concession speech and the NDC's affirmation of the election results as exemplary gestures of mutual acceptance.

"This moment marks an extraordinary milestone in the democratic practice of our nation," the CFI stated.

"The concession by Dr Bawumia and the NDC's affirmation reflects a mature and collaborative approach to our democracy," it said.

Expedite

The CFI, however, urged the EC to expedite the declaration of the presidential election results, warning that a protracted delay could undermine the confidence built by the candidates' acceptance of the results.

"We urge the EC to work diligently and expeditiously to finalise and validate the results, ensuring transparency and upholding public trust in the process," the CFI said.

The group also called on the leadership of the NDC and the NPP to restrain their supporters from engaging in violent acts while the collation of results is being finalised.

"The acceptance by both parties demonstrates a commendable commitment to peace and democracy," the CFI noted.