International Observers Encourage Ghanaians To Maintain Their Credibility

The five International Election Observation Missions have acknowledged Ghana’s strong and resilient institutions that have in the past been able to handle the challenges in elections in a peaceful and constructive manner.

“We hope that this tradition will continue furthering the consolidation of Ghana’s democratic credentials,” they said in a joint statement

The Missions said: “Should any of the stakeholders feel dissatisfied with the election process, we urge that they channel their concerns through the established legal and institutional mechanisms.”

“We reiterate our commitment to supporting the democratic process in the Republic of Ghana,” the statement copied to the Ghana News Agency in Accra, on Wednesday, said.

The statement was endorsed by: Hifikepunye Pohamba, a former President of the Republic of Namibia, Head of the African Union Election Observation Mission; and Professor Amos Sawyer, a former President of the Interim Government of the Republic of Liberia, Head of ECOWAS Election Observation Mission.

The Other are: Thabo Mbeki, a former President of South Africa, Head of the Commonwealth Observer Group; Mr Tamas Meszerics, Member of the European Parliament, Chief Observer of the European Union Election Observation Mission and Ambassador Johnnie Carson, Former Assistant Secretary for African Affairs, US State Department, Head of National Democratic Institute Election Observation Mission.

The International Observers also reminded the Presidential Candidates of the signing of the Accra Declaration on December 1, 2016, facilitated by the National Peace Council.

They congratulated the presidential candidates in the upcoming elections for demonstrating their commitment to democratic, credible and peaceful elections. 

“We wish to appeal to all Ghanaians to adhere to the pledge made by the political leaders as enshrined in the Declaration before, during and after the polls,” the statement said.

“We  urge stakeholders to conduct themselves in such a manner that reflects the aspirations of the Declaration, which is a commitment to peaceful elections and judicial resolution of election disputes.”