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19.08.2009 Commentary

Commentary on Akwatia Election re-run

By GBC NEWS
Commentary on  Akwatia Election re-run
19.08.2009 LISTEN

The violence that characterised the run-up to the Akwatia election re-run leaves a bad taste in the mouth of every peace loving citizen. The lackadaisical behaviour of the security personnel did not help the situation.

Any politician who contributed to the mayhem which saw two vehicles burnt to ashes by unknown assailants must bow their heads in shame. The Electoral Commission deserves tons of commendation for sticking to its guns to hold the election.

Had they called off the election as suggested by the Eastern Regional Security Council they would have jeopardized the conduct of future elections.

How could the Security agencies who had supervised elections nation-wide, fail to do same in just six polling stations? Eight months into the tenure of the fifth parliament of the fourth republic, it is unfortunate the people of Akwatia have no representation in that August House.

The situation, it is believed has affected development in the area. The Akwatia problem came about following the vandalisation of some polling stations in the 2008 general elections culminating in the snatching of ballot boxes.

The EC could therefore, not declare a winner. Some of the candidates consequently filed a motion in court seeking a re-run of the election in all the polling stations. The Supreme Court in its

Wisdom however gave the Electoral commission the go ahead to organize the re-run in only six of the polling stations. The violence, no doubt is a dent on the country's democratic credentials.

The results of the Akwatia constituency election will tilt the balance of power in parliament significantly. It also has the potential to boost the fortunes of the parties in view of some by-elections lurking around the corner.

At the moment, a by-election is slated for chereponi in the Northern region next month. Also likely is Bawku Central.  Elections are not a matter of life and death as some people believe. It is a competition and in any contest only one person is likely to emerge winner.

All supposed party militants must therefore lay down their arms and accept whoever emerges winner whole - heartedly. Party faithfuls who have come from other constituencies to observe the election must refrain from interfering with the process.

It is hoped the electorate will see reason and choose the best candidate who can best articulate their concerns and champion development in the constituency. Akwatia, as an old diamond-mining town lags behind by way of development.

The Ghana Consolidated Diamonds, the main source of employment in the area has virtually collapsed and most of the youth in the area are jobless. This makes it imperative for the people to come out in their numbers to vote. They must not allow themselves to be intimidated by anybody.

The security agencies must be professional in their duties and must not be dictated to by any  politician. They must provide adequate protection to the electorate, EC officials and the ballot boxes. The Ministry of the interior must not lift the curfew imposed on the community till everything is calm.

The loser must exhibit maturity and congratulate the winner. The leadership of the NDC and NPP, must rein - in their supporters so that anything untoward does not happen during and after the election. After all, the candidates are seeking the mandate of the people to develop the constituency.

Both the NPP and the NDC have won the Akwatia parliamentary seat twice since 1992. Gilbert Kwasi Agyei, won the seat for the NDC in 1992 when the NPP boycotted the parliamentary election and retained it four years later after the NDC parliamentary candidate Siam Erzuah, defeated Dr. Agyare Blay of the NPP.

 However in 2000, the NPP candidate Kingston Akomang Kissi, annexed the seat from the NDC. Mr. Kissi, retained the seat for the NPP in 2004. This shows that today's election could go either way.

Let the winners be modest in their jubilation. All that is needed in Akwatia is peace and nothing else. Anymore bloodshed will be too costly. The people of Akwatia must give this a serious thought. We truly have had enough of the hooliganism.

 By Justice Mingle, A Journalist

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