Election 2016 “a little complex” – Rawlings

Ghana’s former president, Flt Lt Jerry John Rawlings, is optimistic the 2016 election will be “peaceful” but has served notice it will be “a little complex”.

According to him, it will require a lot of vigilance on the part of the electorate and the determination of the security agencies to remain neutral as part of moves to ensure a peaceful election.

“We will play our part to ask our people to make it as peaceful as possible but I guess what will ensure the peace is to make sure that we all remain vigilant and let’s hope the law enforcement agencies will also be impartial.

“We are not unknown for ensuring peaceful elections but this year’s might prove to be a little complex; that is why we are all praying,” Rawlings said when his Namibian counterpart Hifikepunye Pohamba paid a courtesy call on him.

President Pohamba, immediate past President of Namibia who is in Ghana to deliver a series of lectures at the University of Development Studies, Tamale, said it was his prayer also that the elections are conducted in a peaceful atmosphere and the eventual winner accepted by all Ghanaians.

The former Namibian leader, who called on President Rawlings at his office in Accra on Monday, described the former Ghanaian President as a comrade who had paid his dues to Ghana.

“I am informed you initiated the establishment of the University of Development Studies and I feel greatly honoured to be selected to deliver lectures at such an important university.”

President Pohamba conveyed the best wishes of Namibia’s founding President, Sam Nujoma and current President Hage Geingob to Flt Lt Rawlings. Namibians, he indicated do not forget the special relationship they have with President Rawlings and Ghana.

The former Namibian leader will deliver the fourth in the Africa Leadership Lecture series of the UDS under the theme ‘Genesis and Trajectory of Contemporary Africa Leadership’, on April 27, 28, and 29. He will be decorated with an Honorary Doctorate Degree on Friday, November 29, 2016.

Present at the meeting were Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings, UDS Vice Chancellor Professor Gabriel Ayum Teye and the Namibian Ambassador to Ghana, Charles Josob.