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NDC Council of Elders Criticizes NPP Over Electoral Conduct Ahead of December 7 Polls

Wednesday, 04 December 2024 | Ghana

NDC Council of Elders Criticizes NPP Over Electoral Conduct Ahead of December 7 Polls
The Council of Elders of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has accused the New Patriotic Party (NPP) of failing to uphold the principles of peaceful, free, and fair elections as Ghana approaches its critical December 7 general elections. In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Council expressed skepticism about the sincerity of the NPP’s commitment to peaceful electoral conduct, despite the recent signing of a peace pact by all presidential candidates.

According to the NDC elders, the peace pact, meant to foster harmony and ensure credible elections, risks becoming meaningless unless the ruling NPP, led by President Nana Akufo-Addo and Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, genuinely adheres to the principles of fair play. They accused the government of engaging in tactics aimed at retaining power at all costs, despite what they described as Ghana’s deteriorating economic and social conditions under the current administration.

The Council claimed that widespread dissatisfaction with the NPP government has fueled a strong desire for change among the electorate. They, however, expressed doubts about the government’s willingness to allow a transparent election process free of intimidation and abuse of incumbency.

Highlighting their grievances, the NDC elders alleged that the NPP administration has impoverished citizens, including pensioners, while failing to address critical infrastructure needs during its eight-year tenure. Instead, they accused the government of resorting to last-minute development projects and distributing handouts in a bid to sway voters.

The Council further alleged that the government may attempt to replicate violent incidents like the 2019 Ayawaso West Wuogon by-election disturbances and the 2020 Techiman South shootings, raising concerns about the potential for electoral violence.

In their statement, the NDC elders called on Ghanaians to safeguard democracy and reject what they described as "eight years of impunity, corruption, greed, arrogance, and nepotism" under the Akufo-Addo/Bawumia administration. They urged voters to hold the government accountable and ensure the elections reflect the true will of the people.

The Council also highlighted what it sees as a misuse of state resources to further political ambitions, emphasizing that this undermines democratic principles. They accused the government of exploiting its position to intimidate voters and create an uneven electoral playing field.

As the country braces for the December 7 elections, the NDC’s call for vigilance resonates with heightened political tension and concerns about potential electoral irregularities. With Ghanaians preparing to cast their votes, the Council’s appeal seeks to rally citizens to demand accountability and fairness in the electoral process.

The statement serves as a reminder of the importance of peaceful and credible elections in preserving Ghana’s democratic legacy while spotlighting the growing polarization between the two major political parties.

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