Former President John Dramani Mahama is calling on the Electoral Commission and relevant authorities to ensure that in the December 7 general elections in Ghana, no military or National Security operatives should be seen at the polling stations. His statement has come amidst growing fears of the militarization of the electoral process.
In a speech to the public, Mahama emphasized that the election was to be peaceful and transparent, calling on the process to be left in civilian hands. "We believe the presence of military and National Security personnel at polling stations could intimidate voters and undermine their right to freely express their will, and damage the credibility of the election as a whole," Mahama said.
He also demanded strict adherence to democratic principles, which include the independence and neutrality of the security forces. While he recognized the contribution of security personnel in maintaining law and order, the former president asked that their role be confined to the periphery of the polling stations, especially where there are serious security threats or disturbances:.
Mahama's comments fall in line with concerns raised by different political parties, civil society groups, and election observers that the presence of security forces at polling stations could intimidate the process or lead to conflict situations, particularly in volatile areas. In fact, these same concerns have been raised in previous elections as a way to urge the EC to ensure that security is duly managed and deployed only where necessary.
This is expected to be one of the most keenly contested general elections, with the various political parties starting to rev up their engines toward the race. Responding to the statement by Mahama, the EC said it would engage all stakeholders involved in this year's elections, including political parties and security agencies, toward ensuring that the processes leading to the election are free, fair, and transparent.
This represents a very important call for restraint as Ghana prepares for this crucial election, and protection afforded to the integrity of the democratic process, where, in a free and peaceful election, every citizen's rights are also protected.
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