Let's Have Clean Political Campaigns Ahead Of The November 7 General Elections

Let’s Have Clean Political Campaigns Ahead Of November 7 General Elections

By Abundant Robert K. AWOLUGUTU
Ghana has been touted as the beacon of democracy on the African continent having successfully conducted six general elections. This year’s elections which have been slated for November 7 will be the 7^th since the Fourth Republican dispensation began in 1992.

However Ghanaians are worried as the political temperature of the country is rising with some of the contestants who are in the race for parliament and the flagstaff House have tried to outdo each other with accusations and counter accusations, insults, innuendoes, vilifications, mudslinging, hate speech and what have you. These and other inflammatory statements coming from political actors have the tendency of disrupting the peace being enjoyed in the country.

As a result of the anxiety which has gripped Ghanaians, some civil society organizations and Non-governmental organizations have taken to peace walks to drum home the need for the various political groups and their followers to promote and maintain the peace and unity of the country ahead of the November 7 polls even as they criss-cross the country with their campaign messages.

On Friday 15 April, Police Wives Association members led by the wife of current IGP embarked on a peace march in Kumasi to sensitize Ghanaians about the need to maintain peace in the country. They carried placards some of which read: “We need peace”, “Ghana is bigger than you”, and “Freedom is not about insults” etc.

The campaign by the Police Wives Association was prudent because women and children are among the vulnerable groups who suffer the most in conflict situations.

Members of the Methodist Guild in Koforidua carried out a similar exercise to promote unity, peace and stability before, during and after the November 7 elections. Some of the messages on their placards read: “Don’t use your selfish interest to destroy Ghana” ; “Ghanaians need honest and dedicated leaders” ; “Corruption hinders development” ; “Ghanaians need violence free elections” ; “Don’t follow stomach politicians” ; “EC be free and fair to all parties” ; and “Let us enjoy freedom of expression”.

Various religious groups have also prayed for peaceful elections come November 7. They have used the pulpit to preach peace asking politicians and their supporters to conduct their electioneering campaigns with decorum. This is to prevent the country from falling into chaos and confusion.

This writer would like to add his voice to the calls from individuals and groups to the various contestants to focus their campaigns on their ideas, policies and programmes they would implement to move this country forward. Ghanaians want clean political campaigns devoid of physical and verbal attacks, violence and any form of intimidation of their political opponents.

All political actors must strictly adhere to the tenets of democracy which include promoting the rule of law, respect for human rights, strengthening the institutions of governance and the creation of prosperity for all. No self- seeking politician should cause human blood to spill because he wants political power at all costs.

Politicians should not do anything that will claim the lives of the very people they are seeking power to govern. They must put the national interest above their parochial interest.

The EC, the constitutional body mandated to conduct and supervise the elections must ensure that this is done in a fair and just manner. It should do something about the current controversial voters’ register and make it credible enough for the conduct of the November 7 polls.

The EC should do its work without fear or favour. It should institute measures to safeguard the integrity of the electoral process before, during and after the November general elections. It should implement the reforms that have been recommended by the panel of experts.

The EC should maintain its independence and neutrality. Under no circumstances should it be seen to be in bed with any political party.

Ghanaian women are looking up to Mrs Charlotte Osei for inspiration. She should prove her mettle and not let women down.

The media should be circumspect in reporting on political issues. We expect nothing short of fairness, justice and objectivity.

The National Media Commission should ensure that media houses comply with the ethics of journalism.

The media should not declare results as it has no mandate to do so. It should however monitor the electoral process and the conduct of the elections with eagle eyes so as to prevent manipulation and deceit.

There have been allegations that President Mahama is taking advantage of his incumbency to use state resources for his political activities. In other words there is no level playing field for all political activists. It is not out of place to humbly ask the President to do something about it.

In conclusion, let’s have clean political campaigns devoid of divisive tendencies and violence before, during and after the November 7 general elections.

All stakeholders should exercise perpetual vigilance to safeguard the integrity and sanctity of the elections come November 7. A stitch in time saves nine.

Abundant Robert Kwodam AWOLUGUTU
Dep. Dir. Of Prisons/Regional Commander
Ghana Prisons Service
Tamale, N/R.