Demonstrations Against EC Will Not Affect Our Democratic Credentials - CODEO Replies Mahama

EC Boss, Madam Charlotte Osei Coalition of Domestic Election Observers (CODEO) in a response to President Mahama’s appeal to political parties to give the Electoral Commission (EC) the peace to do its work has urged the commission to carry Ghanaians along with its activities to ‘kill’ any doubt. According to the Coalition of Domestic Election Observers, the urgency with which the Electoral Commission explains its activities to Ghanaians will ward-off doubtful minds and make its programs a success without heckling from political parties and pressure groups. President John Dramani Mahama has appealed to political parties to give the Electoral Commission (EC) the peace to do its work. He said demonstrations against the EC could negatively affect the country’s democratic credentials and so any party with concerns over the electoral process must use the Inter-Party Advisory Committee (IPAC) for redress. President Mahama made the call when he joined Tijaniyya Muslims in Ghana and others from some parts of West Africa to observe Mawlid, the birthday of the Prophet Mohammed. Commenting on President Mahama’s appeal, National Coordinator for CODEO, Albert Arhin on Okay FM’s 'Ade Akye Abia' Morning Show agreed to the fact that the EC should be an independent body without pressure from the citizens, but added that sometimes a little pressure helps to make the activities of the EC successful. He added that whenever the Electoral Commission (EC) refuses to explain issues to Ghanaians, its activities give room for doubts and anxiety in Ghanaians, bringing about the troubles and the numerous demonstrations. He thus stressed that the political parties can discuss the voters register at the IPAC meeting but reiterated it should not stop the EC from assuring Ghanaians the transparency in their activities. “I don’t think the political parties cannot discuss this at IPAC meeting; EC should make the Ghanaian public to understand that they can be trusted because it is important. The IPAC meeting may not get to Ghanaians because it is not all their meetings which are captured by the media,” he stated. “Whenever people don’t understand something, the EC must quickly explain to their understanding. When you do this, you carry them along with you and make everything transparent,” he added. He however did not see how demonstrating against the activities of the Electoral Commission will negatively affect the country’s democratic credentials.

Source: Daniel Adu Darko/Peacefmonline.com.gh/E-mail: bigdallas1985@gmail.com