Former President of the Republic, Jerry John Rawlings has called on the two leading political parties contesting the December general elections, to exercise restraint in their actions in order to ensure a peaceful elections come December.
Speaking at the signing of a peace pact at the Great Hall of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, the former president indicated that though, from a “social psychological stand view”, there was an imminent clash between the two parties, it was important that the “clash, even if it’s going to take place, does not end up in a manner that creates conflict and antagonism”
The peace pact, according to the Institute for Democratic Governance (IDEG), the Peace Council and the Manhyia Palace, is to ensure the seven candidates contesting this year’s elections, commit to a peaceful election process by calling their supporters to order when the need arises.
The former President called on Ghanaians to not “take our peace for granted” because there have “uncomfortable levels of tension and indeed, seveal instances of violence and threats of violence.”
“We have to be thankful to God that some of these have not ignited into full blown conflict.”
“I am in no way suggesting that people should be meek and mild. People should have a right to be responsibly vigilant during the electoral process,” he noted.
The former President appealed to the security agencies to be “professional, impartial and forthright in the execution of their duties.”
He noted that the media had a huge responsibility to ensure that the strictest of values were adhered to during political discussions.
Former President Rawlings also called on the Judiciary to resolve all electoral disputes swiftly to give the process credibility.
Source:Citifmonline.com
