Post-election violence: Security analyst calls for education, restraint

The Regional Coordinator of Research and Capacity Building of the West Africa Network for Peacebuilding (WANEP), Dr Festus Kofi Aubyn, has attributed the recent attacks on party offices by political party supporters to ignorance and lack of understanding of the appointment processes.

"I think a lot of it is based on ignorance," Dr Aubyn said, adding, "Because people feel that once their candidate has not been mentioned in the ministerial appointments, it means that they will never get the opportunity to serve in the government."

Dr Aubyn was speaking to the Daily Graphic on how post-election violence could be curbed in the country’s politics.

Context

The country has recorded acts of violence such as organised hooliganism, raids, arson of state property and other disruptive acts by party loyalists that have marred the election transition phase, with some youth of the governing party attacking party offices to register their protest over the delay in the appointment of their preferred candidates.

The recent incidents were recorded in the Ho Central Constituency in the Volta Region and the Effutu Constituency in the Central Region where some angry youth attacked party offices, vandalised property and set some items on fire.

Remedy

To address these challenges, Dr Aubyn called on political parties to educate their supporters about the appointment processes and the considerations involved.

He further recommended that political parties activate their internal mechanisms for supporters to channel their grievances as a way of curbing these disturbances.

He also cited the reckless commentary on both radio and television by a section of the media on the ongoing appointments as a contributory factor and stressed the need for professionalism in media reportage and commentary.

He called on the security agencies, especially the police, to conduct intelligence and lead operations to avert these violent activities, adding that so far no arrest had been made.

He also urged the police to be proactive, and arrest and prosecute perpetrators to serve as a deterrent to others.

Advice

Dr Aubyn advised party supporters to be patient and give the President time to make his appointments.

He emphasised that the President had the prerogative to appoint people to various positions, considering factors such as regional representation, gender composition and youth involvement.

He further entreated party supporters to be patient and appreciate the complexities involved in making appointments.