Understanding, harmony, and tolerance from everyone will result in peace during this election

This weekend, Ghana goes to the polls to elect a President and 276 Members of Par­liament to lead the nation for yet another four-year political term.

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, elections misunderstanding, ran­cour political campaigning, and sometimes hate speech, among other negativities, but the good news is that we have made it as a country to this point.

As Ghana approaches its next general elections, the spotlight once again falls on the nation’s commitment to peace and de­mocracy. Renowned globally for its political stability, Ghana has set a high standard for demo­cratic governance in Africa and beyond. However, 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.

After 32 years of embarking on the path of democratisation, the nation, now with nearly 32 mil­lion people, is faced with another attempt to elect leaders for the nation. For the first time in the history of Ghana, an ex-president who believes he can do better than his first presidential duty is challenging the incumbent Vice President.

Mr John Dramani Mahama, who served as the President from 2013 to 2016 on the ticket of the National Democratic Congress, comes face to face with his broth­er from the Northern part of the country, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, of the New Patriotic Party. These are deemed as first-line contend­ers. Ten other candidates are vying for the position of the first gentleman of the land.

Campaigns have been vigorous and intense and have primarily been on records and perfor­mance, and each of these two main political parties, especially for their respective candidates, has the opportunity to rule the country for the same length of time, four years.

For apparent reasons, corrup­tion has been a significant issue in the campaign, with each accusing the other of corruption.

Infrastructure and socio-eco­nomic policies by these two giant political parties in the county are under severe scrutiny as to who has been the best. These are seen differently in the eyes of the vot­ers, and therefore, intended media exploits’ have been employed to help the voters understand and appreciate their ‘handiworks.’

Our nation has a rich history of peaceful transitions. Since transitioning to 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 32 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. They require 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. By maintaining impartiality and effectively man­aging the electoral process, the EC can 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 one to ensure transparency that has eventually resulted in peace before the election, which is deeply believed will ensure peace till after the elections.

Previous elections have pro­vided valuable lessons. Minor disputes, if left unaddressed, 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 over 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. However, 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. The Institute of Public Relations – Ghana’s launch of the “Speak Truth For Peace” campaign to ensure peaceful communication among the populace, for instance, is a laudable approach.

The National Peace Council (NPC) and the National Com­mission for Civic Education (NCCE) are also leaving no stone unturned and have called on political parties to strictly adhere to the roadmap adopted to help eradicate political violence from the country. Church and mosques must also up their game during this last period to calm nerves and encourage tolerance among the populace.

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 his institution is on top of affairs is heartwarming.

In the run-up to the day, fierce challenges have been observed between the two main political parties. The security agencies in the country have identified thousands of hotspots and have mapped up strategies to combat any form of disturbance. The security agencies have deployed thousands of personnel through­out the country to ensure peace.

As election day approaches, 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. Sec­ond, electoral data must be acces­sible to a wide variety of relevant stakeholders. Third, 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 general 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.

BY NANA SIFA TWUM (PHD)