Thabo Mbeki
The Commonwealth election observer group has called on Ghanaians to respect the peace declaration signed by the seven presidential candidates last week.
“With great humility, we appeal to the sister people of this great country to respect the undertakings that have been made by the respected political and other leaders of Ghana as reflected in the Accra Declaration,” the group said.
Addressing the press in Accra, leader of the group, former South African President Thabo Mbeki, said the esteemed seven presidential candidates provided a clear demonstration of the resolve of the people of Ghana to ensure that the country remains true to its commitment to democracy and peace when they signed the seminal declaration.
He urged Ghanaians to live up to the expectation of Commonwealth nations by holding a peaceful and transparent election, adding that election dispute should be settled peacefully through the courts of the land.
“In this regard, we are fully in agreement with the political and other leaders of the people of Ghana that no other option exists for the resolution of any electoral dispute, except the peaceful route,” he said.
Conveying the best wishes of the observer group to the people of Ghana, Mr. Mbeki said the entire Commonwealth, including many African countries, has experienced great pride and encouragement at all time when Ghana has made progress in terms of meeting the aspirations of her people.
He expressed hope that Ghana will once again inspire the comity of nations by holding a truly credible, transparent, inclusive, peaceful and democratic election on December 7.
“We say this very mindful of the historical place of honour Ghana has occupied in the context of Africa’s deeply held aspirations since its independence in 1957,” he noted.
The last batch of observers from Commonwealth arrived in the country last week after an advanced mission was deployed to Ghana on 16 November and deployed in all the 10 regions of the country.
The group, which would be in the country till December 13, would function impartially and independently according to the standards captured in the international declaration of principles for elections.
The Commission’s final report would be made available on December 9, 2016.
By Jamila Akweley Okertchiri