We can’t meddle in affairs of the courts and the EC – Peace Council

The National Peace Council says although it is concerned about the ongoing court battles between the Electoral Commission and some political parties with barely a month to the December 7 elections, there is little it can do to help the situation except offer advice, since the courts and the EC are independent legal bodies that cannot be interfered with.

“The National Peace Council has no authority over the EC, to direct the EC to do A or B. Yes, the NPC can advise the EC to ensure that there is credibility of our elections but as to how to go about it, as to how they should do it, we do not have that capacity to be able to take such directions,” Prof Emmanuel Asante, Chairman of the NPC told Emefa Apawu in an interview on Class91.3FM’s 505 news programme on Thursday.

“As citizens of this country, we are also concerned, the NPC is also concerned about the timing and is worried about the what might happen as a result of the court actions in respect of the disqualification of the number of candidates, but we are also minded that … we don’t have any capacity, any authority to direct the courts or to direct the EC as to how to go about their job”.

Prof Asante’s comment follows concerns by former Deputy Speaker of parliament, Professor Mike Ocquaye that the Council speaks out on the myriad of issues happening between the EC and the parties as the country inches closer to the December 7 elections.

Reacting to the brouhaha between the commission and the aggrieved political parties in an interview with Class News on Tuesday November 1, Prof Oquaye wondered why the National Peace Council has been silent.

“I will like to take this opportunity to tell the National Peace Council that this is the time that you must act and you better act quickly. … They must advise people, they must be able to give us forewarning, they must be able to analyse what is happening and advise appropriate bodies. Their voices must be heard in public on some of these things…” he said.