Security analyst Adib Saani has warned against any attempt to rig the upcoming presidential and parliamenatry elections.
He said that any attempt to rig the elections and circumvent the will of the people could throw the country into a state of hopelessness.
Mr. Saani explained that the general elections held on December 7 every four years offer Ghanaian voters an opportunity to kick out a government that has failed them.
This process, he noted, is the only thing that has kept Ghana safe for all these years without an interrupted democracy.
The will of the people he stated ought to be respected, and the outcome should be accepted by all.
Speaking on Nyankonton Mu Nsem on Rainbow Radio 87.5FM, he said because December 7 offers an opportunity for voters to elect their leaders, the process must be free, fair, and credible.
“So if December 7 comes and you make any foolish attempt to circumvent the process, then you will push Ghanaians into a state of hopelessness, and that will be a receipe for disaster. That is why it is important to respect the will of the people. The Electoral Commission has an important role to play. The Ghana Police Service and other security services also have a role to play. But particularly, the political parties have an important role to play because if we don’t take care and mess this election up, it will destabilise this country.
Let me stress that any attempt to circumvent the will of the people will mess up Ghana because Ghanaians are struggling and we are in an economic crisis with excessive taxes. We think overtaxing Ghanaians will generate the needed revenue for development, but that is rather discouraging businesses from operating in Ghana. We wouldn’t want to get there. Listen to the people and respect their will and views; if not, it will be very dangerous for Ghana. The upcoming December 7 elections will be an important test for democracy. It will be the most important election in our fourth republic because it is between an incumbent and a former leader. The stakes are very high, so let’s be careful and protect our democracy so we wouldn’t have a situation like Kenya.”
Ghana and Kenya face similar issues like poor living conditions, excessive taxation, unemployment, and lack of basic necessities, but violence should not be used to resolve these problems, he advised.
“We all know what is happening in Ghana. There are several Ghanaians who lack access to the basic necessities of life; indeed, whatever is happening in Kenya is very similar to what is going on in Ghana. We have widespread corruption, maladministration, unaccountability, impunity, and excessive taxes, which are chocking already poor people. However, what I oppose is venting your frustration through the use of violence.
Inasmuch as I agree with the demonstrators in calling the government to account, people have died, and they also burned a part of their Parliament. We don’t want that example because it could destabilise Ghana, especially when we are dealing with threats of terrorism from Burkina Faso. Terrorist groups could take advantage of the stability and cause more mayhem. But I am fully and hundred percent in support of the demonstration.”
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
