2012 elections threatened by electoral area demarcation challenges

Ho, Sept. 23, GNA - A-10 member Inter-Party Youth Dialogue Committee (IPYDC) in the Volta Region on Friday observed that electoral area demarcation challenges could be a major threat to peaceful elections in the region in 2012.

They observed that the resolve of some communities to boycott the 2012 general elections for alleged wrongful demarcations could cause agitations likely to compromise peace in the region.

The Committee, made up of representatives from the four major political parties, made the observations at a meeting in Ho.

The meeting, which forms part of the Youth In Election (YiEL) Project, was under the auspices of West Africa Network for Peace Building (WANEP-Ghana) with support from the Canadian High Commission.

Members of the Committee contended that some communities in the region were already demonstrating against their placement under particular districts and constituencies and called on the Electoral Commission to investigate and resolve those issues.

“These issues must be resolved in time so the areas do not become hot spots before, during and after the elections,” Mr Stanley Glate, Secretary to the Committee said.

The committee also identified activities of opinion leaders and traditional authorities as very influential and urged them against inflaming passions before, during and after the elections.

Mr Justin Bayor, WANEP-Ghana National Network Coordinator, blamed politicians for the agitations and called on the Committee to sensitize young people and communities on the need to be peaceful before, during and after the elections.

He said the Project was to bring youth leaders from the major political parties together to work as a team.

Ms Marian Tadefa-Kubabom of the Canadian High Commission said the Canadian Fund supports local and grassroots initiatives for good governance, development and democratic processes.