Emmanuel Akwetey, the executive director of the Institute for Democratic Governance (IDEG), has issued a call for restraint as the National Democratic Congress (NDC) prepares to protest against the Electoral Commission (EC) on Tuesday, a move that could have significant implications.
Akwetey’s appeal comes in response to a statement released by the Civic Forum Initiative (CFI) on Monday. The CFI, including IDEG among its member organizations, has urged the NDC and the police to ensure that the upcoming protest remains peaceful and within the bounds of the law.
In an interview on the Asaase Breakfast Show on Tuesday, Akwetey stressed the vital need to resolve the current tensions between the EC and the NDC in a constructive manner. He emphasized that this is crucial to maintain public confidence in the electoral process and warned against actions that could undermine the smooth conduct of December’s elections.
“We must avoid any actions that could disrupt the path to peaceful and credible elections. After the demonstration, there should be a continued process to address the issues at hand so that we can all enter the election period with trust in the data and processes involved,” Akwetey stated.
He advocated for dialogue over confrontation, noting that while the EC may not yet be able to accommodate the NDC’s request for an independent audit of the voter register, alternative solutions could still be explored.
“Efforts should be made to find a resolution that builds confidence. If necessary, bringing in external auditors could be a viable solution,” Akwetey suggested.
He stressed, “It is far preferable to pursue peaceful solutions than to resort to violence, which could lead to significant harm.”
In his closing remarks, Akwetey urged the NDC and the EC to prioritize the integrity of the nation’s democratic processes and ensure that the election, a crucial event for our nation, proceeds smoothly.
“The CFI believes it is essential to appeal to both sides for reason and restraint in the interest of our democracy, peace, and national reputation,” he concluded, underlining the crucial need for these qualities at this juncture.
