Retired military personnel, Major [rtd] Derek Oduro, has emphasised the need for political parties to focus on policies and programmes to convince Ghanaian voters to vote for them in an election instead of using violence.
The former Member of Parliament for Nkoranza North opined that violence, intimidation, and chaos do not win any political party an election.
He expressed disappointment in the recorded cases of violence in some of the registration centres in the ongoing limited registration exercise.
He warned that the situation, if not addressed, could have a negative impact on our elections and the swearing-in of our presidents.
He stated that persons who foment electoral-related violent activities do so because they are not punished as they should.
He wondered why a limited registration exercise would generate this level of lawlessness and impunity.
Speaking on Frontline on Rainbow Radio 87.5FM, he posited that “we can end these violent incidents if we severely sanction those involved. We need to punish them in a manner that will send a strong signal to any other person or persons plotting to engage in lawlessness during election-related activities.”.
“If the Ghana Police Service wants to deal with the issues, they have to do it professionally. If we have NPP supporters creating these problems, they have to be arrested. If the offenders are NDC, we have to arrest and prosecute them. No one should be spared. We should use this as a test case and deal with the issue. We don’t have to entertain any influence-peddling for the offenders to be freed. We have to deal with them in a ruthless manner.
We must apply the law. Our electoral processes are governed by laws. There are laws that govern activities such as voter registration and elections. If you violate these laws, you must be prosecuted under our laws.”
“Violence cannot win you an election. For a political party to win an election, you will need policies and programmes that will convince Ghanaians that you are capable, competent, and ready to manage their country. You cannot use intimidation, chaos, and violence in the hope of winning an election.
The election starts with a credible and transparent registration exercise, an exhibition exercise, and the voting process, declaration, and swearing in. We cannot have a credible process if we allow these situations to be characterised with violence. We have in the past witnessed violent incidents that went unpunished. But we need to get to the point where we deal with these incidents ruthlessly.”
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
