The Chairperson of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), Kathleen Addy, has recently voiced her apprehension regarding the growing propensity of Ghanaians to resort to election-related violence. This disquieting revelation comes in the wake of the release of a new NCCE report on voter concerns, which uncovered a disturbing willingness among some voters to employ violence in furtherance of party interests or in response to perceived electoral irregularities.
In a statement to the press on Wednesday, October 23, Kathleen Addy underscored the pressing need to fortify government institutions in order to reestablish public trust in the electoral process and forestall instances of violence. She expressed deep concern over individuals openly admitting their readiness to engage in violent activities for various reasons, emphasizing that this should serve as a cause for alarm for all conscientious citizens.
Furthermore, Addy stressed the importance of collaborative efforts to instill confidence in the existing governance systems, thereby dissuading individuals from feeling compelled to resort to violent measures. She advocated for a widespread understanding of the available conflict resolution mechanisms, including the involvement of institutions such as the Peace Council, to effectively address any misunderstandings that may arise.
Additionally, she highlighted the role of party representatives at polling stations in ensuring transparency and fairness in the electoral process, cautioning against unauthorized individuals meddling in party affairs during the voting process.
The remarks made by Kathleen Addy underscore the imperative need for concerted action to uphold the integrity of Ghana's electoral system and mitigate the potential for election-related violence. It is incumbent upon all stakeholders, including government bodies, civic organizations, and citizens at large, to work collaboratively towards fostering a peaceful and democratic electoral environment.
As Ghana approaches forthcoming elections, it is essential for measures to be implemented to address the underlying concerns raised by the NCCE report. By reinforcing public trust in electoral institutions and promoting peaceful conflict resolution, Ghana can strive towards ensuring free, fair, and violence-free elections.
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