Accra, Sept.13, GNA-Paapa Nketia, Director of Public Affairs of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) on Saturday outlined that Ghanaian politicians must be fair and kind to their opponents to ensure peaceful elections in December.
"Politics is not a "do or die affair" because peace is priceless. We are one nation with one people with one common destiny since Ghana belongs to all citizens of the country"
In an interview with GNA, Mr. Nketia urged political parties to extend a hand of friendship to their opponents after the results are declared and work together to bring about Ghana's prosperity. Mr. Nketia noted that 21 days after election results are published in the gazette, the result of the presidential election might be challenged through the filing of a petition in the Supreme Court and that of the Parliamentary in the High Court.
"A good leader would create equal opportunity to enable us to improve our lives. Accept the results of the elections in good faith and use the Supreme Court to settle all election disputes," he said. Mr. Nketia advised security officers to ensure that election materials are safe when escorting them to the polling stations. "Take all necessary measures to prevent violence or any activity that threatens to disrupt the election. Carry out the lawful instructions of the presiding officer or returning officer or a senior officer of the electoral commission in relation to the election," he said.
Mr. Nketia urged security officers not to do anything that would suggest that they favour a particular party or candidate. "Do not harass or intimidate any candidate or voter and desist from assisting to vote or decide who to vote for," he said. Mr. Nketia called on political party executives or political parties to refrain from playing any role in the administration of the elections.
