Presby Moderator Wants Election Date Changed

THE MODERATOR of the General Assembly, Presbyterian Church of Ghana, Reverend Professor Emmanuel Martey has urged the Electoral Commission (EC) to seriously consider shifting the election period from December to November.

This he said is due to the fact that the period of transition is too short and could worsen if there happens to be a run-off as it happened in the 2008 election.

The president-elect he said ought to get adequate time to prepare a smooth assumption of office in early January.

Rev. Martey was speaking at a forum to deliberate on ‘Election 2012: ensuring peace and credibility, the role of religious bodies, electoral commission, politicians, security services and the media’ in Accra on Sunday. The forum which was on theme, “Be of One Mind, Live in Peace” was organized by the Presbyterian Church Faith Congregation: Madina Estates, as part of its social responsibility to contribute to peace in society.

He said transition process in this country has continuously been marked with quarrels and disagreements, adding that there are issues of lack of openness and allegations of witch hunting.

Rev Martey said the church will engage political transitional teams to safeguard a smooth and harmonious transition.

He said the Presbyterian Church of Ghana as a religious body does not endorse any political party or candidate and does not oppose any political party candidate.

“We do not make financial contributions to any party or candidate and do not help any to raise funds,” he noted.

However Rev. Martey said “We feel it is our duty to educate and encourage church members to register as voters and exercise their franchise as citizens of the country.”

He said Presby congregations may invite parties or candidates in the presidential or parliamentary race or both to speak on particular topics.

Rev. Martey said the church will give all political parties or candidates equal platform.

“What we seek to do is to maintain the integrity of the ballot,” he added.