Two groups advocate independence of EC

Daily Graphic ( Back Page), Wed. Dec.31/08

Story Rebecca Quaicoe Duho
TWO foreign observer groups have urged Ghana’s political leaders and citizens to respect the independence of the Electoral Commission (EC) and recognise its mandate with respect to the announcement of the results of the December 28 presidential run-off.
The groups commended Ghanaians for a peaceful run-off but urged political leaders and citizens to respect the mandate of the people.
According to them, although there had been irregularities in some places, the immediate post-election environment was calm and hoped that a spirit of peace and co-operation would prevail.
At separate press conferences in Accra, the Commonwealth Observer Group and the African Union Observer Mission both commended officials of the EC and the security agencies for the professionalism they displayed during the electioneering period.
In a statement read by Baroness Valerie Amos, the Chairperson of the Commonwealth Observer Group, the group observed that “with such a competitive election, the next President of Ghana will be required to unify the country and represent all citizens of Ghana”.
“A strong democracy is one in which differences can be resolved through established institutions and systems in which the people have confidence and trust. That is what the people of Ghana wish to see,” it said.
The group further hoped that Ghana’s future government would further consolidate Ghana’s democratic gains and foster political inclusiveness and co-operation.
For the AU Observer Mission, the leader of the team, Dr Salim Ahmed Salim, a former OAU Secretary-General, who read the statement said it was evident that the election had been closely contested, saying that like many other elections of similar nature, there had been heated campaigns and passion, reflecting the divergent and strongly held views of the political leadership and their impact on the electorate.
It further stated that it was evident that the outcome of the election would be very close, saying that in such a circumstance “it is all the more important that whoever wins the election should bear in mind the enormity of the responsibility that he has and the need to forge national co-operation on the basis of accommodation and the larger interest of the country”.
“The need to work together as Ghanaians from all political affiliations becomes all the more crucial,” the group said.
It said it was no less important that the candidate who did not win and the party he represented should be forthcoming in not only accepting the verdict of the people of Ghana but, more important, also working with the winning candidate in the interest of the people of Ghana.
“Such a spirit demonstrated by both candidates and their parties will make an important contribution in the consolidation of democracy, good governance, peace and harmony in the country,” it said.
The group, in its final analysis, said “the outcome of the election, coupled with the manner in which the citizenry of Ghana voted, should be seen as a victory for Ghana”.