Former President, Jerry John Rawlings has asked the two leading political parties in the country to take steps to stop what he believes is an imminent clash between faithful of the two.
The stakes have been raises high for people who support the New Patriotic Party (NPP) or the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr Rawlings observed, saying even if this clash was inevitable; it should ?not end up in a manner that creates conflict and antagonism.?
He warned against a repeat of any of the several incidence of violence associated with political activities across the nation.
Such ?uncomfortable levels of tension and indeed, several instances of violence and threats of violence? must be guarded against.
We must not ?take our peace for granted?, he appealed.
The Former President was addressing the brokers, signatories and others gathered at the Great Hall of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology where the signing of a Peace Pact was held Tuesday.
Organised by the Institute for Democratic Governance (IDEG), the Peace Council and the Manhyia Palace, the pact is to ensure that seven candidates in the 2012 presidential race pledge a commitment to a peaceful and fair electoral process.
They are to lead the peace campaign and rally their supporters for the cause.
Jerry John Rawlings also admonished that while all contribute to a peaceful process, it is equally important to remain vigilant. ?I am in no way suggesting that people should be meek and mild. People should have a right to be responsibly vigilant during the electoral process.?
“We have to be thankful to God that some of these have not ignited into full blown conflict.”
The Former President went on to mention the importance of other stakeholders in the elections. He asked that the security services take charge and foil all disturbances before they escalate and of the media, he expected will be guided by and sense of responsibility and high ethical values.
Present at the occasion was seven out of the eight running the race, the two former presidents, the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, representatives from the various arms of government and a host of other dignitaries.
