Show commitment in consolidating democracy - TERIFF

Accra, Oct. 24, GNA - The Tertiary Institutions Functionaries (TERIFF) of the People's National Convention (PNC) on Friday called on the Electoral Commission, the media, government and civil society organizations to show more commitment towards the consolidation of the vibrant democracy in the country.

A statement signed by Mr James Adongo, TERIFF President, said this would help in reducing unnecessary fear and panic that had engulfed the nation during the run-up to the polls in December. "TERIFF wants to state categorically without any reservation that the government has delayed in providing logistics through the Electoral Commission for political parties to carry out their campaigns," the statement said.

"This has always been there for political parties contesting elections in an election year and it is our belief that as time is running out for the presidential candidates the government needs to make its stance clear on this issue in order to promote multiparty democracy." The statement said since Ghanaians were witnesses to the display of opulence by the incumbent party during its campaigns, other political parties needed to be given the same opportunity to embark on effective campaigns.

It commended the Catholic Church for declaring December 7, which falls on a Sunday, as a "mass free" day to enable its members to exercise their franchise. The statement urged the media to shun negative utterances that would not help in consolidating the democratic gains. It said the PNC was the only party capable of solving the country's economic problems and appealed to the electorate to vote massively for it. 24 Oct. 08