Editorial: Let’s Avoid Exacerbating Tension Ahead Of The Elections

With less than 100 days remaining before voters head to the polls to elect a new president and members of parliament, it is crucial to address the growing threat of election-related violence. The Chronicle urges the major political parties, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) to tone down their rhetoric and avoid aggravated tension.

Both parties are confident of securing a decisive victory in the 2024 elections. However, the true measure of success will not be in winning but in respecting the democratic process and the will of the people.

The integrity of elections is vital to democratic governance and any action that undermines this process would jeopardise the legitimacy of the electoral outcome.

Election-related violence poses a serious threat to democracy, even in well-established societies. It stems from a range of factors throughout the electoral cycle, including distrust in dispute resolution mechanisms and electoral management bodies. Mistrust, combined with inflammatory rhetoric, can create a volatile environment that escalates into violence.

Ghana, like many countries, faces a complex social background where issues such as unemployment, corruption and poverty intersect with the electoral process.

According to the 9th Round of the Afrobarometer survey conducted in 2022, nearly 80% of Ghanaians prefer democracy over other forms of government.

This statistic underscores the widespread commitment to democratic values and the need to protect them from erosion.

Recent comments by Bryan Acheampong, the Minister for Food and Agriculture, raise concerns.

His statement at an NPP campaign event, suggesting that the ruling party would use any means necessary to secure victory, risks undermining public confidence in the electoral process. Much as he might have meant well with his statement, such loose oratory lend themselves to various explanations and end up generating unnecessary controversy.

The minister should know that we are in a season where even trivial matters are misrepresented and twisted just for political gains. We must, therefore, learn to make unambiguous statements that would not lend themselves to political twists and turns.

Elections do not occur in a vacuum. They reflect underlying social and economic conditions and violence often erupts when these tensions are not adequately addressed. The rising trend of violence surrounding elections worldwide threatens democratic principles, creating an atmosphere of fear that can deter voter participation and skew results in favor of those willing to resort to coercion.

Ultimately, the fight against election-related violence is a fight for democracy itself. It requires a collective effort from governments, political actors and citizens to uphold the principles of free and fair elections.

By addressing the root causes of violence, enhancing legal protections and fostering a culture of dialogue and respect, we can ensure that elections remain a true reflection of the people’s will, free from the shadow of intimidation and fear.

As the election approaches, let us reaffirm our commitment to democracy and work together to safeguard it from those who seek to undermine it through violence and discord. Every action counts in preserving the integrity of our democratic process.

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