The National Democratic Congress’ (NDC) presidential candidate, John Dramani Mahama, has emphasized the significance of fairness and impartiality in the general elections scheduled for December 7.
Mahama demanded that the law be applied fairly and strictly to anyone who tries to incite violence or interfere with the peaceful conduct of the elections during the National Peace Campaign launch.
He emphasized in his speech the vital roles that the judiciary, security forces, and the Electoral Commission play in guaranteeing an impartial, open, and secure electoral process.
He voiced grave concerns about the possibility of violence during the elections and emphasized how urgent it is that justice and neutrality be given top priority by all relevant institutions.
Mahama maintained that there should be consequences for anyone who interferes with the election process. He was adamantly against sending military troops or armed national security agents to polling places, claiming that their presence might incite voter mistrust and anxiety.
“Our clergy like all citizens should be able to witness voting and counting peacefully without fear of violence. If someone errs or is disruptive during the election, they should be made to face justice. The government has a responsibility to hold accountable any criminal who masquerades during the elections as state security operatives.
“No weapons must be allowed in or around any polling stations, including at all collation centres. Election security is the primary responsibility of the Ghana Police Service under the Inspector General of Police. There must therefore be no deployment of the military or armed national security operatives at any polling station or collation center. The Electoral Commission must be impartial and the judiciary must be fair and neutral in the events of any election dispute.”
