EC must be supported and protected by all stakeholders – Rawlings

Former president Jerry John Rawlings has asked for  protection and support for the Electoral Commission by all stakeholders “to ensure a free and fair election and a peaceful society.”
“The Electoral Commission which is the fulcrum of our multiparty democracy must be supported and protected by all stakeholders; to ensure a free and fair election and a peaceful society,” he said.
Speaking at the 41st anniversary of the June 4 Uprising  in Accra on Thursday, Mr Rawlings  added that it is equally important for the EC, to ensure that the processes leading to this year’s elections are done in consultation with the stakeholders of the nation to prevent unnecessary suspicion, and promote a peaceful and cohesive society.
“That notwithstanding, it is equally important for that revered institution, EC, to ensure that the processes leading to this year’s elections are done in consultation with the stakeholders of the nation; to prevent unnecessary suspicion, and promote a peaceful and cohesive society. An election is an event but, building a democratic, free and peaceful society is a process so the debate surrounding the new voter’s register must be thoroughly examined so we do not undermine the successes we have chalked so far, as a nation”.
He added that, the constitutional mandate of the Electoral Commission must be respected by all.
“In addition, the constitutional mandate of the Electoral Commission must be respected by all. While we work towards perfecting our electoral process, I urge you all to pursue and sustain our uniqueness as a country in the democratization process,” the former president said.
On the issue of a new voter register Mr. Rawlings asked the EC to make sure those who are eligible to exercise the right of choice should not be disenfranchised by dictates that defeat one’s right to vote.
“That sanctity must be preserved at all cost and as we inch towards November let us ensure that the institutional processes are transparent and beyond blemish. Freedom and justice is not abstract. It is very much related to the sanctity of the right of choice. Those who are eligible to exercise that right of choice should not and cannot be disenfranchised by dictates that defeat one’s right to vote,” he added.
 
Source: Atinkaonline.com