Politics

Collaborate with stakeholders to preserve sanctity of choice and justice—JJ Rawlings advises EC over voter register’s brouhaha

Collaborate with stakeholders to preserve sanctity of choice and justice—JJ Rawlings advises EC over voter register’s brouhaha

Former President Jerry John Rawlings has called on stakeholders to support the Electoral Commission (EC) of Ghana in order to ensure free and fair election and peaceful society.

According to him, the Electoral Commission is the fulcrum of the multiparty democracy and should be well protected by all.

Speaking at a virtual Durbar to mark the 41st anniversary of the June 4 uprising in Accra on Thursday, ex-president Rawlings advised the EC to examine the current debate surrounding the voter’s register in order for eligible voters not to be disenfranchised.

“The debate surrounding the new voter’s register must be thoroughly examined so we do not undermine the successes we have chalked so far, as a nation,” he added.

Former President Rawlings charged the EC as a reverend institution to equally ensure that the processes leading to this year’s elections were done in consultation with the stakeholders of the nation.

That, he noted  would prevent unnecessary suspicion, and promote a peaceful and cohesive society.

An election, the ex President stated was an event but, building a democratic, free and peaceful society is a process, adding that the constitutional mandate of the EC should be respected by all.

“While we work towards perfecting our electoral process, I urge you all to pursue and sustain our uniqueness as a country in the democratisation process,” he emphasised.

Ex President Rawlings underscored the need for sanctity of the right of choice to preserve democracy in yielding development of the country.

“That sanctity must be preserved at all cost and as we inch towards November let us ensure that the institutional processes are transparent and beyond blemish. Freedom and justice is not abstract.

It is very much related to the sanctity of the right of choice. Those who are eligible to exercise that right of choice should not and cannot be disenfranchised by dictates that defeat one’s right to vote,” he emphatically stated.

Ex-president Rawlings emphasised the need for collaboration to preserve sanctity of justice, stressing that an unjust society deepens inequities.

“The patriotic zeal that gave birth to June 4 is one that cannot be extinguished. Any attempt to compromise on the ideals of probity, accountability and integrity in our everyday lives is an attempt to snuff out the light that was lit 41 years ago.

Let us honour the memories of those who laid down their lives liberating Ghana,” he added.

BY JOYCELINE NATALLY CUDJOE

Joyceline Natally Cudjoe

An Entertainment Columnist, Content Writer, Blogger, Novelist, Poet, and a Publicist. For business or story tip off, contact me on +233 24 646 6866 or email: [email protected]

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