Prioritise peace over election outcome - Irbard Ibrahim urges political parties

Irbard Ibrahim, International Relations and Security Analyst, has urged political parties to run a “healthy campaign” and prioritise the nation’s peace and stability over the outcome of the December elections.

Speaking at a press conference in Accra, he praised the country’s democratic credentials, stressing that the 2024 election should serve as an opportunity to consolidate the gains.

“The election ahead of us is a critical chapter in Ghana’s political story…How we choose to write this chapter depends on the conduct of political parties, traditional authority, religious groups, civil society organisations, organised labour and identifiable youth and women groups.

“Let’s not make posterity look back at 2024 and say we all sat aloof to see Ghana’s beautiful political history get ruined,” he stated.

Emphasising the importance of free and fair elections, Mr Ibrahim urged the Electoral Commission to continue engaging all political parties to foster “more confidence” in the electoral process.

“There is a gulf of difference in terms of trust issues between the EC and the major opposition party, and we believe that this gap should be bridged so that there will be confidence in the lead-up to December 7,” he noted.

Mr Ibrahim noted that security agencies and other state institutions had consistently demonstrated professionalism in ensuring peaceful elections.

However, their efforts in the upcoming election would require the collaboration and active participation of citizens.

He urged the public to volunteer information that could help security agencies address potential threats and prevent situations that could undermine the December elections.

“Security agencies have proven over many elections that they have the reach, discipline, and capability to ensure total security for flag bearers, parliamentary candidates, and the voting public.

“Let’s all collaborate with these security agencies and volunteer vital information on acts of stashing of weapons, the staffing of ballot papers, the snatching of ballot boxes and all infractions that could muddy the waters before, during and after the December 7 polls”, he said.

Mr Ibrahim stated that both the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the New Patriotic Party (NPP) had experienced both defeat and victory in Ghana’s past eight electoral cycles.

He said the results of the country’s ninth election should be no different, urging all parties to accept the outcome in the spirit of democracy.

“One good thing about elections is that you always have another opportunity to present your case to the Ghanaian people…if you lose and you destroy Ghana and her institutions, there will be no country to offer you that opportunity to serve again.

“The December 7, 2024, polls will be closely monitored by international observers from the Commonwealth, ECOWAS, and various diplomatic missions.

“Let’s not give the world an opportunity to point accusing fingers at the Republic of Ghana after all these years of earning an accolade as one of the most stable countries on the African continent,” he emphasised.