There is no cause for alarm over election - Gowon

Accra, Dec. 30, GNA - General Yakubu Gowon, Head of the ECOWAS Observer Mission in Ghana, says he believes there is no cause for alarm so far as this year's presidential election is concerned. He said as good citizens, it was important for all and sundry to realize that in all things, the well-being of the nation came first. General Gowon, who is also a Former Head of State of Nigeria, said this on Tuesday, when he spoke to journalists in Accra.

Touching on developing events after the second round of voting to finally determine the winner of the 2008 presidential election, General Gowon said it was normal for people to be anxious at a time like this, adding that, this did not necessarily signal any bad omen. "You have had past elections which have been exemplary. This election should not mar your good history," he observed.

General Gowon cautioned the media to be cautious with their comments and reports and said it was crucial to ensure that information given out was well researched and only reflected the truth. He said to enable the Electoral Commission to perform its duties efficiently there was the need for Ghanaians to remain patient and to exercise restraint, adding that, the Commission had a duty to maintain the good image of fairness and transparency so far as the election results were concerned.

"In past elections losers in Ghana have accepted the result gracefully. I hope the loser in this election accepts gracefully and the winner is magnanimous," he said.