Election Watch Ghana has urged the Ghana Police Service to organize an urgent meeting with all flagbearer aspirants and the leadership of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to set forth clear guidelines and enforce a stringent code of conduct in anticipation of the party’s flagbearership primaries scheduled for January 31.
According to the watchdog, this initiative is vital for reducing tensions and ensuring a peaceful electoral process.
In a statement issued on Monday, Election Watch Ghana conveyed significant concern regarding the increasing occurrences of violence within the party. The organization referenced recent incidents in Sunyani, where aspirant Naa Torshie had to address her supporters from a vehicle after being chased away from a campaign location, and a social media activist was reportedly assaulted by opposing supporters.
The watchdog characterized these actions as “alarming and unacceptable,” cautioning that they jeopardize the integrity of the elections.
The organization called upon the Ghana Police Service and other relevant parties to take immediate action to avert further violence. Suggested measures include the deployment of sufficient security personnel to critical areas, enforcing compliance with a code of conduct, and ensuring that all aspirants and their supporters engage in peaceful interactions.
Election Watch Ghana also appealed to NPP members to practice restraint, tolerance, and composure throughout the campaign period.
“Democracy flourishes through peaceful competition, not through violence,” the statement highlighted, reminding the party leadership of its duty to ensure a fair and orderly electoral process.
The group further emphasized the necessity of preventive measures at this juncture and requested that the police provide consistent updates regarding the security landscape and the actions being undertaken to address any incidents.
