Political parties must sign peace pact now – IDEG

The Institute for Democratic Governance (IDEG) is challenging the Electoral Commission (EC) to join political parties to sign the peace pact ahead of the upcoming general elections.

The parties usually sign this pact a few months before the elections, pledging to ensure peace but according to IDEG, the EC must join the process this time round to show commitment as well.

IDEG's Executive Director, Dr Emmanuel Akwetey spoke to Citi News on the sidelines of a meeting between the Ghana Police Service and political parties.

“The political leaders must denounce violence and sign onto a peace pact. They will accept the results but if they do all of us are obliged to ensure that the elections are very transparent. All the areas where things will be done to undermine the credibility of the process and its outcome, we must be vigilante and go there and speak.”

He also called on the Electoral Commission to “steps to boost confidence in the institutions and its management” saying that though the institution is “doing well according to the law…it must also take certain measures to boost public confidence.”

November polls will be peaceful
President John Mahama has assured Ghanaians of his commitment to ensure a peaceful election in November.

He describes as normal, some disturbing political developments ahead of the elections, but adds that his government is committed to ensuring a peaceful, free and fair election.

President Mahama, was addressing the Ghanaian community in the Iranian capital Tehran, to round up his three day state visit to that country.

“We are in an election year and of course there is a lot of political rhetoric and you should know that it's normal. In election year, a lot of the political argumentation and debates heightens a bit but I can assure you that we will have a peaceful and successful elections and Ghana will continue to be the beacon of democracy in Africa.”

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By: Godwin A. Allotey/citifmonline.com/Ghana
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