News Commentary on December 7 polls and plea for peace during, and after

BY DR. NANA SIFA TWUM, MEDIA AND COMMUNICATIONS CONSULTANT. 

Ghana goes to the polls to elect a President and 276 Members of Parliament to lead the nation for another four-year political term this weekend. The elected President will be the sixth in the Fourth Republic, while the next Parliament will be the ninth. Ghana has come this far by dint of firm commitment to challenging political terrain, characterised by stiff opposition, election misunderstanding, rancour political campaigning, and sometimes hate speeches, among other negativities.

The good news is that we have made it as a country to this point. As Ghana approaches this general election on December 7, the spotlight once again falls on the nation’s commitment to peace and democracy. Renowned globally for political stability, Ghana has set a high standard for democratic governance in Africa and beyond. The true test of any democracy lies not just in the voting process but in the collective resolve to maintain peace before, during, and after the elections.

The nation Ghana has a rich history of peaceful transitions. Since adopting multi-party democracy in 1992, Ghana has experienced four peaceful transfers of power. This legacy is a testament to the maturity and resilience of its democratic institutions and the political consciousness of its people. Past elections, though not without challenges, have demonstrated the ability of Ghanaians to rise above partisan differences and prioritise the nation’s welfare.

Today, Ghana is the envy of many countries by way of successful democratic dispensation. For thirty-two years running, there have been nine general elections, with the opposition peacefully taking over from the ruling government on four occasions, a very proud expedition. The peace of our country, especially during electioneering periods, is the responsibility of all.

Peaceful elections are not the sole responsibility of political leaders. This requires the active participation of all stakeholders: citizens, political parties, security forces, the media, and civil society organisations. Political leaders must lead by example, promoting messages of peace and unity and condemning any form of violence or inflammatory rhetoric. The Electoral Commission (EC) plays a crucial role in ensuring transparency and building public confidence. Maintaining impartiality and effectively managing the electoral process will enable the EC to help prevent disputes that might otherwise lead to unrest. The recent decision by the EC to recall ballot papers intended for the Western and Eastern Regions following an incident involving a defaced ballot paper is also commendable. The extraordinary action taken by the Commission and supported by all stakeholders is to ensure transparency and has eventually resulted in peace before the election, and it is to ensure peace till after the elections. Previous elections have provided valuable lessons.

Minor disputes, if left unresolved, can escalate into significant conflicts. Dialogue and conflict resolution mechanisms must be readily available. The National Peace Council, religious bodies, and traditional leaders all have a role to play in mediating tensions and fostering understanding. With more than half of Ghana’s population under 30, the youth play a critical role in these elections. Many will be voting for the first time, and their engagement could shape the nation’s future. The power of social media to influence opinions and mobilise people means it can either be a tool for peace or a platform for conflict. Responsible use of social media, with a focus on spreading accurate information and discouraging hate speech, will be vital. Identifiable groups, organisations, and institutions must whip up their involvement in pursuing the peace we all require.

Peace, to a large extent, lies with the institutions that have been entrusted to ensure peace. The security forces are tasked with maintaining order and protecting voters. Collaboration between law enforcement agencies and communities is essential. Citizens should view security personnel as partners in ensuring a peaceful electoral process, not as adversaries. The assurance by the Inspector General of Police that the police institution is on top of affairs is heartwarming. As election day approaches on December 7, with the special voting setting the tone, every Ghanaian must remember that peace is a collective responsibility. Political differences should not divide us; instead, they should enrich our democratic process. Violence benefits no one and only serves to undermine the progress we have made as a nation.

Ghana’s peaceful political transition holds lessons for other African states. It highlights four important conditions. First, the electoral management body must take concrete, visible steps to address perceptions or proven allegations of political bias. Secondly, electoral data must be accessible to a wide variety of relevant stakeholders. Thirdly, the electoral management body should maintain an open communication line with traditional and social media outlets. Finally, political leaders must choose words and actions that keep tense political environments from escalating. Together, these practices will bolster the credibility of the electoral process, enabling the candidates and the public to accept the results.

In the words of Kofi Annan, one of Ghana’s most esteemed sons: “Without peace, there can be no development. Without development, there can be no enduring peace.” Let us all commit to peaceful elections, demonstrating to the world that Ghana remains a shining example of democracy in Africa. Our future depends on it.

More stories here