The Monarch of the Asante Kingdom, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II has urged political parties and actors to develop confidence in the Electoral Commission (EC) as well as the electoral process.
He recognizes that the spate of mistrust could fuel tensions in the lead-up to the general elections slated for December 7, 2024.
“The issue for many is not who wins but whether the conduct of the elections will be fair and will deliver a peaceful outcome. For my part, I remain pretty sanguine about the outcome for two main reasons,” he stated, asserting that he sees no circumstances in which Ghanaians will trade the liberty to elect a leader by the power of their thump, for any other alternative.
“Secondly, however much one may distrust the individuals in charge of the electoral process at any given time, it has been demonstrated that changes will occur in spite of the individual operatives. The evidence of our history is that the system does produce the outcome that reflects the voice of the people,” he added and then committed himself to be at the disposal of the country to protect the integrity of the process when the need arises.
He, therefore, appealed for a reduction in mistrust by actors.
“So here again, I will appeal for a lowering of mistrust. Heightened vigilance is of course necessary but we need to restore confidence between contesting political parties and candidates and the electoral commission.”
His Majesty also suggested the Association invite the candidates of the leading political parties to the ongoing conference to seek their commitment to the nation in the pursuit of a peaceful campaign and the use of due process for the resolution of any unforeseen incidents.
Otumfuo was speaking at a dinner he held for the members of the Ghana Bar Association (GBA) on September 9, 2024, at his residence in Kumasi.
