Akufo-Addo's 2012 election petition didn't destroy our democracy, it rather reinforced it; that's what I also want with mine – Mahama

Former President John Mahama has said “far from destroying our democracy”, then-candidate Nana Akufo-Addo’s election petition which challenged the results of the 2012 presidential election, “rather reinforced our commitment” to democratic principles, adding that he is on the same trajectory as far as his recently-filed election petition is concerned.

In an address on Wednesday, 30 December 2020, the presidential candidate of the main opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), who has rejected the results, said: “Indeed, in 2012 when the election was called in my favour, my opponent challenged the results—as was his right; and he took the matter to court.”

“Eight long months of an election petition, far from destroying our democracy, rather reinforced our commitment to it—and affirmed the strength of our institutions, particularly the judiciary”, Mr Mahama noted.

In his view, “it is only in governments where the people are powerless, and at the mercy of those who hold office, that peace—or at least what passes as peace—can exist without justice”.

He said: “Some people have asked me what I hope to gain by challenging the results of this election”.

“Let me tell you: I want, perhaps, the very same thing that my opponent wanted when in 2012 he challenged the results of that election; I want the removal of doubt. I want for all of us to know that our elections should be free, fair, and safe—and that we do not have to settle for a process that leaves us confused, and with more questions than answers.

“I want a Ghana where institutions of state can be held to account. Where we can stand on principle and demand transparency without the risk of losing our lives”, he added.

---classfm