Mahama's victory celebrations could have waited - Political scientist

Political scientist and social policy analyst, Dr. Theophilus Richardson has questioned National Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, John Mahama's swiftness to celebrate his victory after being declared president-elect by the Electoral Commissioner.

According to Dr. Richardson, Mahama could have waited for the allegation of electoral fraud surrounding the December 7 polls to be addressed before beginning his victory celebrations.

Monday, President Mahama addressed a gathering of party faithful near Kwame Nkrumah Circle where he thanked them for their support and declared that his victory was not strictly a victory for party supporters but for Ghana as a whole.

The political scientist called Mr. Mahama's plea to his opponents to eschew pettiness and forge national unity during the victory speech Monday itself as a form to pettiness. He explained that the slim margin of victory depicts a sharply divided country, hence Mr. Mahama should be circumspect in the sort of remarks he makes.

He maintained that although Mahama may have won the elections, he could have exercised restraint in celebrating while the opposing party is still contesting the outcome of the election.

Dr. Richardson added that President Mahama should prepare his supporters to accept the outcome of the contestation, whatever it might be. He advised that the time to celebrate will come after Mahama has been sworn in.

The social policy analyst applauded the example set by former President Rawlings, who after his 1992 victory asked party supporters not to jubilate due to the tension that hung in the air at that time.

Dr. Richardson questioned President Mahama's characterization of his victory as one for all Ghanaians on the grounds that his supporters were clad in NDC colours during the victory celebrations at the Kwame Nkrumah Circle.