Security services must protect the electoral system - Haruna

Kumasi, Dec. 20, GNA - Mr Haruna Iddrisu, Member of Parliament re-elect for Tamale South, has called on the security services to protect Ghana's electoral system to avoid cheating or rigging of any form during the December 28, 2008 presidential run-off. Speaking to journalists in Kumasi on Saturday, he said it was wrong for polling stations to be turned into battle grounds since elections were civil matters, which does not need any hostilities if the electoral laws were obeyed.

Mr Iddrisu, who is also the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Minority Spokesperson on Communication, said this during a three-day tour of the Ashanti Region by Mr John Mahama, the party's vice presidential candidate.

He said the whole world is watching Ghana especially in the run-off presidential election between the two major political parties, the NDC and New Patriotic Party (NPP) and added that the former was prepared to ensure free and fair electoral process. Mr Iddrisu also called on the youth to be extra vigilant to resist any attempt that would lead to cheating in the run-off. He said the "operation snatching and changing of ballot boxes" that took place in the first round December 7, 2008 in some constituencies could only be avoided when party agents and security personnel exhibit vigilance on poll day. 20, Dec. 08