Ahead of the 2024 general election, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has expressed concerns about what it describes as an electoral process fraught with discrepancies, lack of transparency, and what appears to be a deliberate attempt by the Electoral Commission to skew the process in favor of the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP).
On the other hand, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) has raised serious concerns about restrictions it has faced in conducting its business and campaign activities in certain parts of the region. The party cited incidents such as the burning of its property, attacks, and threats against individuals known to be affiliated with the party or involved in campaign activities. These challenges, the party claims, place it at a disadvantage.
These concerns were shared by executives of the NPP and NDC during a recent stakeholder dialogue organized by the Navrongo-Bolgatanga Catholic Diocesan Development Organization (NABOCADO).
The issues were made public by the Executive Secretary of the Upper East Regional Peace Council, Ali Anankpieng, during an interview with Mark Smith on the Day Break Upper East Show.
The documented concerns have been forwarded to the relevant organizations tasked with improving the electoral process and ensuring the safety of all stakeholders involved.
The dialogue is part of a broader initiative facilitated by the Good Governance, Justice, and Peace Directorate under the Integrated Peacebuilding for Improved Food and Nutrition Supply (INPEACE) project, funded by Misereor.
Providing historical context, Mr. Anankpieng noted that while there has always been some tension ahead of national elections, the Upper East Region has typically managed to maintain peace.
However, Mr. Anankpieng acknowledged that this year’s contest may be more tense than previous ones due to the positions of the NPP and NDC.
“This year, I think we have this situation because one party wants to ‘break the 8’ while the other seeks a return to power. That is what is driving the heightened competitiveness,” he explained.
Despite the rising tensions, Mr. Anankpieng emphasized that things would not escalate if the right measures are taken.
Source: A1Radioonline.Com | 101.1MHz | Mark Kwasi Ahumah Smith | Bolgatanga
