The opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) in Ghana has voiced serious concerns regarding the delayed announcement of the December 7th election results, emphasizing the potential threat to national peace and stability. The party’s National Chairman, Johnson Asiedu Nketia, addressed a press conference at the NDC headquarters, underscoring the mounting anxiety and frustration among their supporters and the urgent need for the Electoral Commission (EC) to expedite the declaration process. He highlighted the Peace Council’s appeal to the NDC to maintain calm among their youth base, acknowledging the importance of peace while simultaneously stressing that addressing the root cause of the tension – the delayed results – was paramount. The NDC maintains that simply appealing for calm without resolving the fundamental issue of the delayed results is inadequate and ultimately ineffective. They called on the EC to act decisively and swiftly to restore public confidence and diffuse the escalating tension.
The NDC’s concerns reflect the palpable anxiety across Ghana as the nation awaits the official declaration of both the presidential and parliamentary election results. The delay has fueled speculation and heightened existing political tensions, creating an environment ripe for potential unrest. Asiedu Nketia revealed that he had been contacted by the National Peace Council to appeal for calm among NDC supporters. He, however, pointed out the futility of such appeals without addressing the underlying grievances stemming from the perceived injustice of delayed results. He recalled similar appeals made four years prior, followed by alleged electoral irregularities that remained unaddressed, leading to a sense of disillusionment among the party’s supporters.
The NDC’s position is that genuine calm can only be achieved through a transparent and timely declaration of the election results. They argue that justice, in this context, is synonymous with a prompt and accurate announcement of the outcome, which would validate the democratic process and assure the public of the integrity of the election. The party believes that the Peace Council’s efforts should be directed towards urging the EC to expedite the declaration rather than simply appealing for calm from a frustrated populace. They contend that focusing on managing the symptoms of the problem without addressing the underlying cause is a superficial approach that will fail to achieve lasting peace.
The NDC further clarifies that a complete declaration of all constituency results is not necessary before announcing the winner of the presidential election. They suggest that the EC possesses sufficient information to declare the presidential victor, thereby alleviating much of the national anxiety and preventing further escalation of tensions. This strategic declaration, according to the NDC, would serve as a crucial first step towards restoring public trust and mitigating the potential for unrest. By focusing on the declaration of the presidential result, the EC can address the most pressing concern and create a more conducive environment for addressing any subsequent issues related to parliamentary results.
The delay in announcing the election results has undoubtedly created a challenging situation in Ghana, with the potential for escalating tensions if not addressed promptly. The NDC’s call for swift action from the EC underscores the urgency of the matter. They believe that a timely and transparent declaration of results is not just about fulfilling electoral procedures but is essential for safeguarding national peace and stability. The party’s stance highlights the interconnectedness of democratic processes, public trust, and the maintenance of peace, emphasizing that a credible election outcome is a cornerstone of a stable and peaceful nation.
By linking the call for calm directly to the demand for a swift declaration of results, the NDC is essentially arguing that peace is not merely the absence of violence but the presence of justice and transparency. They contend that appeals for calm, while well-intentioned, will ultimately prove ineffective unless they are accompanied by concrete actions that address the underlying concerns fueling the anxiety. The NDC’s message is clear: the path to peace lies in upholding the integrity of the electoral process and ensuring the timely and accurate announcement of the results, thereby affirming the public’s faith in the democratic system.
