Chiefs urged to be neutral in Election 2008

Accra, 11 May, GNA- Osabarima Antwi Agyei V, Chief of Okadjakrom in the Jasikan District of the Volta Region, has advised traditional rulers to be neutral in the events leading to the Election 2008 to preserve the country's peace, unity and stability.

He also asked chiefs to avoid meddling in active party politics as stipulated in the 1992 Constitution, particularity this election period, to preserve the dignity and sanity of chieftaincy.

Osabarima Agyei, who is also Twafohene of the Buem Traditional Area, in an interview with the Ghana News Agency at Okadjakrom, explained that "because we occupy unique position in society we should not support any presidential or parliamentary candidate or anyone seeking political office to ensure peace during the 2008 Election.." He advised chiefs to assist in ensuring free, fair and peaceful elections to enhance the country's political development. Osabarima Agyei said the country's multi-party democracy has brought socio-economic and political gains and called on Ghanaians to work collectively to deepen and sustain the political process. He said "I am confident that Ghanaians would assist the Electoral Commission (EC) to enable it to conduct credible elections since the people appreciate democratic principles and values acquired through chieftaincy even before the advent of democracy in the country." Osabarima Agyei noted that the task for the EC to conduct credible elections is enormous and challenging and advised the Commission to accept concrete criticisms and suggestions from political parties and the public to enable it improve upon its performance and achievements. He observed that the country has traveled far in its democratic experiment and appealed to the people to tolerate and respect divergent views for peace and stability.

Osabarima Agyei said even though election was an important event that legitimized authority in a democratic dispensation, peace and stability were also essential to push the country's development forward..