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08.07.2004 Politics

We will ensure free, fair election

By GNA
We will ensure free, fair election
08.07.2004 LISTEN

Accra, July 8, GNA - Government says it would work to ensure a free, fair and sustainable elections in December, despite fears to the contrary by the opposition parties. Briefing Journalists in response to a recent Press Conference held by Professor John Evans Atta Mills, Flag Bearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in Accra on Thursday, the Government said this year's election would be of far better standard than what Ghanaians have known over the years. Mr Stephen Asamoah-Boateng, Deputy Minister of Information, declared: "We wish to assure Ghanaians that we will work to resolve our numerous problems that we have been elected to solve and ensure that we abide by our commitment." He said claims by Prof Mills that the Government could be manipulating the Electoral Commission (EC) "is untrue ... based on this year's institutional mechanism put in place, we can say that this election would be the best we have known". He said the Government had requested foreign observers to be around for the elections and expressed the hope that Prof. Mills and the other opposition parties would also work to ensure a free, fair and transparent electoral process acceptable to all.
Mr Asamoah-Boateng called on the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and other opposition parties to come out with credible plans and alternatives for the country other than constantly attacking the Government of trying to manipulate the system and creating a state of insecurity.
"We do not need rumours and suspicions to be peddled and by no mean a person than the Professor," he stressed.
He asked the NDC to direct its concerns about the voters' register to the EC and not the Government.
Mr Asamoah-Boateng again debunked suggestions that a Party Police has been created within the Ghana Police Service saying Professor Mills was dwelling on rumours and hearsay when he made the claim.
"The IGP has come out to explain the situation - the need for the Police to recruit more numbers ... and without a shred of evidence the Professor seeks to misconstrue this."
He called on the NDC Flag Bearer, like the Government of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), "to share in the vision of a country where the children are taught of a real and absolute difference between right and wrong".

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