Politics of Monday, 30 October 2006

Source: GNA

GIMPA says Offinso South bye-election peaceful

Accra, Oct. 30, GNA - The Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA) Centre for Elections Observation on Monday said the Offinso South bye-election held on October 24 was peaceful, free and fair A press Release signed by Mr Jake Danso-Quayson, Public Relations Manager, congratulated Electoral Commission and its agents "for a great job done". It also commended the electorate for its patronage. "The Offinso South bye-election was the smoothest elections so far observed by the GIMPA Centre," it said.

The statement said the GIMPA observation team visited 70 per cent of the 98 polling stations.

It said it observed during its reconnaissance visits to over 30 polling centres on October 23 it found that adequate preparations had been made and there was also the calmness and quiet within and among the communities. The statement said the Observation Team paid visits to areas where radio had reports indicated that there were some disturbances. It said they realised that radio reports and the ensuing radio discussions blew even very minor incidents that did not in any way affect the conduct of election out of proportion.

"The team met some media personnel peddling incorrect and unverifiable information at a public eating place (Chop Bar)," the statement said.