By Celestine Avi
The Council of Elders of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), led by Chairman Alhaji Mahama Iddrisu, has called on the government and the Electoral Commission (EC) to ensure that the December 7 elections are free from intimidation and abuse. This appeal follows presidential candidates’ recent signing of a peace pactahead of the 2024 polls.
The NDC Council of Elders emphasized that the pact must transcend rhetoric and translate into a genuine commitment to peace, fairness, and transparency in the electoral process. They also urged Ghanaians to vote massively for John Mahama and NDC parliamentary candidates, describing the upcoming election as a decisive battle for democracy.
“The recent signing of a peace accord was a step in the right direction. However, it remains to be seen whether the government is genuinely committed to it.”
The Council said the 2024 elections offer an opportunity to rescue Ghana from what they described as years of impunity, corruption, nepotism, and arrogance under the Akufo-Addo-Bawumia administration. They called on voters to choose leaders who demonstrate honesty, integrity, and a commitment to national progress.
The Council cited past incidents of electoral violence, including the Ayawaso West Wuogon by-election and the killing of seven citizens during the 2020 elections, which they attributed to the ruling NPP.
“We keep hearing of plans to cause mayhem and carry out atrocities similar to what happened in Ayawaso and Techiman in 2019 and 2020. The NPP does not play by the rules.”
In light of these concerns, the Council urged President Akufo-Addo and his government to ensure the 2024 elections are conducted in a clean, fair, and peaceful manner.
The National Elections Task Force, led by the Ghana Police Service, has outlined plans to ensure a peaceful election, which the NDC has pledged to support. However, the Council warned against the use of vigilante groups or party foot soldiers disguised as National Security personnel to foment trouble.
“We demand the government to desist from using vigilante groups and NPP party foot soldiers in the guise of National security to foment trouble on the blind side of the election security task force.”
The Council also urged the Electoral Commission to guarantee transparency and fairness, noting the EC’s critical role in safeguarding Ghana’s democracy.
“The EC must ensure free, fair, and credible elections. It is hard for the public to trust its assurances when stories of mismanagement persist, such as the recent decision to reprint ballot papers for Special Voting in the Western and Eastern regions. Elections may be won at the polling stations, but the EC must ensure accurate tabulation and avoid issues like the changing percentages witnessed in 2020.”
The media was advised to exercise caution in its reportage and to promptly highlight any election irregularities.
Reaffirming their confidence in John Mahama’s leadership, the Council encouraged Ghanaians to vote for the NDC presidential and parliamentary candidates.
“John Mahama is a reassuring personality with a passion for solutions that serve the broader national interest. With him, success means lifting every Ghanaian. We urge all Ghanaians to come out early on December 7 and vote for John Dramani Mahama and NDC parliamentary candidates.”
The Council commended party members for championing the ‘Resetting Ghana’ manifesto and urged them to remain vigilant and committed throughout the election period.
