NDC to conduct hi-tech electioneering - Alabi

Accra, July 21, GNA - The main opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) said on Thursday that it had adopted a hi-tech electioneering methodology that would thrill the electorate with factual and in-depth political messages to win Election 2004.

Without giving further details, Mr Joshua Alabi, NDC Greater Accra Regional Chairman, told Ghana News Agency in Accra that Ghanaians would be exposed to the "political deception" of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) so as to make a wise electoral decision to vote it out.

"Modern diplomatic and democratic means of wooing and educating the electorate would be applied to recapture political power," he said. Mr Alabi said the NDC would improve its track record of nurturing the Fourth Republican constitutional order by entrenching multiparty democracy.

"It is our collective responsibility to protect and develop this important national asset and we are resolved not to do anything that will undermine the efforts we have made."

The NDC, which has been in opposition for three-and-a-half years, has intensified its re-election bid with a number of public functions and media briefings.

Addressing one of such media encounters in Accra on the theme: "Measures to Ensure a Peaceful, Free, Fair and Transparent Elections," Mr Alabi challenged stakeholders of the 2004 polls to join the NDC to ensure a smooth, free and fair vote.

He cautioned that any attempt to rig the election would dent the nation's global status as a vibrant democratic state and called for constitutional means to resist such a temptation.

"The NDC has gained experience in organising three successive free, fair and transparent elections that received high commendation from the international community. Therefore, whatever we say should be considered seriously and not swept under the carpet as political talk or crying Wolf!"

Flanked by other executive members, Mr Alabi warned that any arbitrary use of the organs of State to harass and intimidate political opponents would degenerate into anarchy.

He alleged that security forces were harassing three aspiring NDC parliamentary candidates.

"While we are not against the enforcement of law and order, we nevertheless state that this should be done fairly," he said. The NDC Regional Chairman appealed to the Media to join hands with the Party to ensure smooth, free and fair elections. "After all this is what we have collectively fought for and we should do everything to protect and develop it," he said.