Electorate urged to exercise their franchise in the forthcoming elections

Kumasi, Dec. 24, GNA - Mr Samuel Akuamoah-Boateng, National Director in-charge of Programmes, National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), ha= s called on all eligible voters to make sure that they cast their ballot in the December 28 District Assembly and Unit Committee elections. He said they should help chose the right calibre of people to serve in the assemblies and the unit committees to strengthen local governance. Mr Akuamoah Boateng was speaking at a day's public forum organized b= y the Kumasi Metropolitan office of the NCCE in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) at Aboabo in Kumasi on Thursday. It is aimed at sensitizing them on the need to actively participate in the polls to make it a success. He said it should not be lost on them that the Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies determine and influence the development of the communities.

"This is why every qualified voter must cast his or her vote to deci= de how the social, economic and political affairs in their respective areas ar= e managed," he said.

Mr Alhassan Yakubu, Ashanti Regional Director of the NCCE, reminded th= e people that the district assembly concept was non-partisan and must be free= d from interference by the political parties. He appealed to the candidates to conduct their campaigns with civility and avoid acts likely to mar the beauty of the elections. Alhaji Ahmed Ibrahim, Head of the Aboabo Number One Community, commended the Commission for educating the people on their civic responsibilities. 2