Political analyst Samuel Boateng has posited that what has happened in the rerun of the 19 polling stations in the Ablekuma North constituency is disgraceful.
He posited that we must rethink claims that Ghana is a democratic country and believes in democracy and peaceful elections.
The chaotic scenes from the election and the assault on key political figures and journalists, he argued, have destroyed our image as a country.
Speaking in an interview on Nyankonton Mu Nsem on Rainbow Radio 87.5FM, Mr. Boateng stated that politics should not strip us of our common sense as a people.
He was worried that the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the New Patriotic Party (NPP) are only interested in winning power at all costs, even if it leads to fatalities.
He said this should be a test case for us going into any other elections because what has happened, although not surprising, is a terrible issue that must be handled carefully.
Mr. Boateng also blamed the Electoral Commission for failing to discharge its duties well in handling the issues regarding Ablekuma North, stating that the EC had been inconsistent and the process had lost its political validity.
“Democracy is not about violence or thuggery. Democracy is not about revenge. There are polling stations with less than 300 voters, and yet more than 1,000 people have stormed there. This is not even a national election, but 19 polling stations in a single constituency, and if the Ablekuma North election can lead us here and for us to witness a situation that paints a picture of an end to the world, then we should no longer say Ghana is a democratic country. We are in for a serious crisis in our future elections. Why should we go into an election for people to die because someone wants power? The police looked on helplessly and allowed ‘machomen’ to take over security; then we are in for a serious crisis,” he said.
He added, ’We have to be candid with the politicians: an election is not a do-or-die affair. Our election is not grounds for violent clashes, and we are fed up with their selfish interests. We cannot grow as a country if we allow these things to continue. Our leaders have become senseless and allowed politics to consume their brains.’’
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
