CHRAJ joins chorus of appeal to parties to accept result

Accra, Dec. 30, GNA - The Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) has joined the chorus of appeals all Ghanaians, political parties and candidates alike to accept the result "and once again make Ghana the winner". "We urge once again magnanimity and humility in victory and nobility in acceptance of results as indeed there is no real defeat as victory is for all of us Ghanaians, for Africa and for democracy as we all rejoice together as one people and celebrate the will of the people," it said in a statement signed by Ms. Anna Bossman, Acting Commissioner of CHRAJ. It said as with the Presidential and Parliamentary elections held on December 7, the Commission again deployed observers to a total of 1,500 polling stations in the 10 regions of the country to follow the run-off.

CHRAJ said it noted with much pride and satisfaction that the main "voting was conducted in a free and peaceful environment". It said although there were more reports of irregularities during this run- off as opposed to voting on December 7, on the whole "those were not significant enough to undermine the integrity of the election process".

"The CHRAJ congratulates all Ghanaians for conducting themselves with great maturity in ensuring peaceful elections. "The CHRAJ also commends the Electoral Commission in particular for the able manner in which the elections were organized and the security agencies for the high sense of professionalism in maintaining law and order effectively during the election period." CHRAJ said it believed that it was the greatest desire of Ghanaians to remain united and live in peace that was why the people turned out in great numbers to vote.

CHRAJ therefore called upon the leaders and flag bearers of political parties to avoid using intemperate language that could mislead or incite their followers to engage in acts of violence or unruly behaviour. It said this was an opportunity for the candidates to exhibit leadership qualities that would make Ghanaians proud that the election was contested by persons who believed in democratic principles. The CHRAJ further called on both political parties to avoid wild and provocative celebrations that had the propensity to injure feelings once the results were known.