By King Amoah.
In a recent statement that has resonated across the political landscape of Ghana, Ekua Donkor, the flagbearer of the Ghana Freedom Party has called upon the officials of the Electoral Commission to embrace maturity, transparency, and impartiality in the conduct of the upcoming elections.
Her remarks emphasize the critical importance of ensuring that the electoral process remains free from violence and marked by respect and fairness for all participants.
In an interview with the correspondent she said as Ghana approaches its next electoral cycle, the stakes are higher than ever, stressing that with a history of political turbulence and election-related disturbances, the call for a peaceful electoral environment is not just pertinent, it is essential.
Ekua Donkor’s plea highlights the need for stakeholders, particularly the Electoral Commission, to take a proactive role in safeguarding the integrity of the electoral process.
Ekua Donkor’s assertion of maturity touches upon the need for political actors to rise above partisanship and engage in civil discourse.
This maturity she said is not merely about civil conduct; it encompasses the willingness to listen and learn from one another, acknowledging that different opinions are a part of a healthy democracy.
She charged politicians to set a precedent by promoting dialogue and understanding, rather than resorting to divisive rhetoric that can incite violence and hatred among supporters.
According to her transparency in electoral processes is pivotal in cultivating public trust.
Ekua Donkor’s emphasis on unbiased practices underscores the importance of impartiality from the Electoral Commission and all election monitors.
” Voters must feel confident that their voices matter and that the electoral process is free from manipulation”, she admonished.
Insisting that this can be fostered through transparent communication, regular updates, and an open-door policy for stakeholders to raise concerns or seek clarity.
She related that the Electoral Commission has a critical role in ensuring that electoral laws are consistently applied and that all candidates have equal access to resources, information, and opportunities to campaign.
There should be mechanisms in place for addressing grievances and ensuring accountability, which can help mitigate the risks of disputes or perceptions of unfairness that could lead to unrest.
Ekua Donkor observed that fratricidal violence during elections does not only endangers lives but also undermines the democratic process.
She indicated that as Ghana prepares for its upcoming elections, maturity, transparency, and impartiality serves as a vital reminder of the collective responsibility to uphold democratic values.
It is also crucial for all stakeholders to prioritize peaceful engagement and foster an electoral atmosphere that celebrates democracy, rather than succumbs to violence and discord, the Ghana freedom Party leader maintained.