 has applauded the continuing trend of candidates in electoral contest in West Africa conceding defeats even before official announcements of results.){kind=link}
By Emmanuel Oloniruha
The West African Elders’ Forum (WAEF) has applauded the continuing trend of candidates in electoral contest in West Africa conceding defeats even before official announcements of results.
The forum gave the commendation in a statement on post-election assessment of Ghana’s general elections.
The statement signed by former Nigerian President, Dr Goodluck Jonathan, and Head of WAEF Election Mission to the 2024 Ghana General Elections, was made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Wednesday.
According to Jonathan, the development in Ghana marks a significant step toward democratic consolidation and the entrenchment of a culture of peaceful political transitions in the region.
He also commended Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, Vice President of the Republic of Ghana and presidential candidate of New Patriotic Party (NPP), for conceding defeat and congratulating the winner even before the official declaration of election result.
Jonathan said that Bawumia’s action was a reflection of “true statesmanship, exemplary display of patriotism and a commitment to Ghana’s peace and democratic progress.”
He also described Bawumia’s action, which also happened earlier this year in Liberia and Senegal, as a good development for democracy in Africa.
The former president congratulated the people of Ghana for peaceful and orderly conduct of the country’s 2024 general elections, describing the exercise as transparent.
He said that Ghana had, once more, “demonstrated its unwavering commitment to democracy, peace and stability, reaffirming its position as a beacon of democratic governance in West Africa.
Jonathan congratulated the President-elect, Mr John Mahama, as well as the leadership and supporters of National Democratic Congress (NDC) for their victory at the polls.
“We note that this victory reflects the will of the Ghana people and expressed through a peaceful and transparent electoral process.
“It is for this reason that we call on the president-elect and his supporters to attend to the victory with magnanimity, humility and respect for all,’’ he said.
Jonathan also extended deep appreciation to the incumbent President, Nana Akufo-Addo, for his leadership throughout this process.
“We equally appreciate him for creating an enabling environment that allowed the forum and other election observation groups to conduct their missions freely and effectively in Ghana,’’ he said.
Jonathan also commended the Electoral Commission (EC), the Joint Security Task Force, political parties and civil society organisations for their professionalism, vigilance and commitment during the electoral process.
He, however, condemned the violent incidents that led to the tragic loss of lives and destruction of electoral materials, including the burning of the Electoral Commission’s office in the Domingo district, Savannah region.
“Elections must never be approached as a war or a ‘do-or-die’ affair. They are opportunities for citizens to peacefully express their will and determine their collective future.
“We reiterate that no political ambition is worth the blood of innocent citizens. Violence undermines the very essence of democracy and erodes the hard-earned peace and stability that Ghana is renowned for,’’ he said.
Jonathan urged the leadership, the presidential candidate and the supporters of NPP who lost to the opposition to see the outcome as a victory for Ghana and an opportunity to restrategise before the next elections.
“The next elections offer yet another opportunity to try again and to refine strategies, strengthen institutions and reconnect with the aspirations of the people.
“Democracy is a continuous process and each election provides a chance to learn, grow and come back stronger.
“We call on all stakeholders, particularly political leaders, to restrain their supporters and embrace dialogue and lawful means of addressing grievances.
“We urge security agencies to swiftly investigate and hold accountable those responsible for these incidents while ensuring the safety of all citizens and electoral materials,” Jonathan said.
NAN reports that WAEF mission left Ghana on Wednesday, following the official announcement of the election results by the Electoral Commission.(NAN)