The Electoral Commission has identified 81 flash points ahead of the elections. As a result, the Electoral Commission is seeking assistance from the Ghana Police Service for adequate security. The police have also identified some 5, 003 polling stations which they believe constitute flashpoints and so they are prepared as reported by the Daily Graphic.
Everything must be done to ensure the safety of lives and property because we cannot afford to throw this country into jeopardy. I am particularly excited when the police said “everything is under control’’, but the assurance is not enough. We must move beyond the assurance and put in place mechanisms and measure that will ensure that at the end of the day there is peace before, during and after the elections.
Talking about the measures that have to be put in place, the Electoral Commission has emphasized that the political parties have a role to play. Now if the political parties have a role to play, then the Electoral Commission must share these flash points with the parties. Why am I saying this: the actions of these parties could throw the country into chaos. Thus it is important they know these tension areas and advise their supporters.
Ghana remains a beacon of hope when it comes to the practice of democracy in Africa. Let’s avoid what has happened in countries like Gabon. We cannot afford to jeopardize our peace.
We need to take a second look at the campaigning; political parties should take a critical look at how they are campaigning by not raising the tensions high. Since politicians are willing to serve with the intention to better lives, if electorates say they do not want you to serve, please just go and prepare for the next election. If Ghanaians want to give you the mandate they will. It shouldn’t be a do or die affair. Politicians must shun away from the threat of not accepting election results if not in their favour. The Ghana Police must begin discussions with political parties as well as the Electoral Commission on how to be mindful of comments made on political platform and also advise their followers not to do anything which will create problems at the end of the day.
By Winston Amoah
The writer is the host of 3FM‘s Sunrise. Write-up was first broadcast on the station.
8th September 2016
