The National Democratic Congress' Elders Forum has warned that the peace pact signed into the 2024 general elections will not guarantee a hitch-free and peaceful electoral process, given the current attitude of the ruling New Patriotic Party, flagrant in the breach of rules and norms that preside over electioneering. The group made this declaration in reaction to the signing of the much-hyped peace agreement, in a bid to prevent violence and ensure free and fair elections in the country.
The NDC Elders, made up of leading figures in the party, however pointed out that while the peace pact might have marked a crucial step toward peace, what happens ahead of the election will be determined by the attitude of the ruling NPP. The forum said the NPP must show respect for the country's electoral laws, independence of electoral institutions, and a commitment to ensuring a level playing field for all political parties.
We cannot fold our arms and pretend that a signature on a piece of paper will necessarily guarantee peace if the NPP is allowed to continually practice electoral fraud. There must be clear and genuine commitment on the part of the ruling party to abide by the rules," a senior member of the NDC Elders Forum said in a press conference.
The peace pact signed between major political parties and key stakeholders is supposed to ensure cooperation and prevent election violence; however, NDC maintains that the said peace will elude Ghana in the absence of a genuine determination by the government to tackle topical issues like voter intimidation, abuse of incumbency, and politicization of state institutions that are supposed to supervise the elections.
The NDC also appealed to the EC to ensure that its activities remained impartial and transparent, and to civil society organizations and international observers for close monitoring of the process. "All parties must abide by the rules, and it is important that any actions that threaten the credibility of the election are dealt with immediately," the NDC said.
All eyes are on the NPP and NDC to see whether they can live up to the letter and spirit of the peace pact and ensure that the democratic process is upheld in the spirit of fairness and integrity.
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