Embrace a new dawn: Exemplary political leadership in democratic elections and outcomes

On the 28th November, 2024 when the Presidential candidates signed the Peace

Pact, they committed to play by the rules of the elections in respecting voters’

decision to uphold democracy and the will of the people in a manner that engenders peace, stability and national cohesion.

The concession by Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), coupled with the New Democratic Congress (NDC’s) affirmation that their internal data aligns with the announced outcomes, reflects a mature and collaborative approach to our democracy.

This moment marks an extraordinary milestone in the democratic practice of our

nation, as we witness an exemplary gesture of mutual acceptance and

acknowledgment by key stakeholders in the 2024 electoral process.

However, in respect of the concession by the NPP Presidential Candidate, a

protracted declaration of the Presidential elections results by the Electoral

Commission risks undermining the confidence built by the candidates’ acceptance

of the results and the nation’s desire to move forward.

Once there is no contention between the political parties on the results, this new dawn should serve as an opportunity to consolidate national unity, build trust, and strengthen the foundations of our democracy.

A Call to Action

1. To the Electoral Commission: We urge the EC to work diligently and

expeditiously to finalize and validate the results, ensuring transparency and

upholding public trust in the process.

2. To Political Parties: The acceptance by both parties demonstrates a

commendable commitment to peace and democracy. We call on the

leadership of the NDC and NPP to call to order their supporters to refrain

from acts of violence while the collation of results is being finalized.

3. Stakeholders: We also call on all stakeholders to support a seamless

transition and resist actions that could jeopardize the stability of this new

dawn.

Therefore, it is imperative for voters that have massed up at collation centres to be demobilized by the leaders of the major political parties to embrace this new situation to calm tensions.

Finally, when the EC performs its constitutional duty of announcing the president elect, we would rise up as a nation to applaud the new standards set by the two leaders.