John Mahama
Former President John Dramani Mahama has been exposed amid recent attacks on the Electoral Commission’s (EC) ability to conduct a credible, free and fair election.
Statements by the National Democratic Congress’s (NDC) flagbearer vouching for the credibility of the country’s electoral body ahead of the 2016 elections have resurfaced, putting his party in an awkward position.
Ahead of the 2016 general election, Mr. Mahama praised the EC’s credibility, stating that the country’s electoral system has inherent mechanisms that make it impossible for the election management body to rig elections in favour of any political party.
Speaking at a forum in Bordeaux, France, in 2016, the former president remarked, “Ghana has an Electoral Commission that is independent and does not consult the President on anything,” firmly asserting that the Electoral Commission could not rig elections.
He also dismissed allegations of interference in the EC’s operations, calling such accusations “absurd nonsense.”
“Some have even claimed that the Electoral Commission is preparing to rig the elections for John Mahama. What absurd nonsense!
“Ghana’s electoral system is one of the best in the world—not just in Africa, but globally—because it has built-in instruments to guarantee its integrity,” he added.
On accusations of possible interference by the presidency, Mr. Mahama firmly stated, “I have no right to interfere in the electoral process.”
The former president reiterated his strong belief in the EC at a campaign rally in Funsi, Wa East Constituency, on November 18, 2016, just before the general election.
However, Mr. Mahama and his party since they lost the 2016 elections have launched a series of unsubstantiated attacks on the EC, raising questions about his credibility and honesty.
For instance, the opposition NDC plans to stage a protest on Tuesday, September 17, 2024 across the country over what they claim are challenges with the electoral register, allegations they are yet to substantiate.
Mahama during his campaign tour called on his party supporters to come out in their numbers and protest against the EC, a move which seeks to undermine a key state institution purely for political gain.
Mahama should be the first to understand the importance of protecting state institutions, yet he seems determined to erode the public’s trust in them.
A Daily Guide Report