Election 2024: Goodluck Jonathan urges candidates in Ghana’s election to accept outcome of polls

Former Nigerian President, Goodluck Jonathan has called on politicians in Ghana to demonstrate humility and maturity by accepting the outcome of the upcoming elections, whether they win or lose.

Leading a delegation from the West African Elders Forum, Jonathan emphasised the importance of peaceful conduct during elections, reminding politicians that elections are not a do-or-die affair but rather a contest where only one person can emerge victorious. He urged them to focus on leaving a positive legacy.

"We should all do what people will remember us for, and that is positive things not bringing a crisis into our country," he said.

The West African Elders Forum has been actively engaging with various stakeholders in Ghana to foster an atmosphere of peace and ensure the elections are conducted credibly. Jonathan lauded Ghana’s democratic track record, describing the nation as a beacon of democracy on the African continent.

His sentiments were echoed by Fabio Bargiacchi, the Founder and Executive Director of the European Centre for Electoral Support (ECES), who commended Ghana’s Electoral Commission for its comprehensive preparations ahead of the December 7th elections. Bargiacchi expressed confidence in the ability of the commission to deliver a free, fair, and transparent electoral process, noting the thoroughness of their work from the headquarters to the smallest constituencies.

He also highlighted the instrumental role of Jean Mensa, Secretary to the Association of African Election Authorities, in upholding the standards of electoral integrity. Bargiacchi described the upcoming elections as a potential benchmark for fairness and transparency in Africa, emphasizing that the continent could witness one of its best democratic exercises through Ghana’s example.

The endorsement of Ghana’s electoral process by Bargiacchi, whose organization has extensive global experience in providing electoral assistance, adds significant credibility to the preparations underway.

As election day approaches, the calls for peaceful participation and the acceptance of results by key figures such as H.E. Goodluck Jonathan and Fabio Bargiacchi underline the need for unity and democracy to prevail in Ghana.