We are willing to constructively engage EC over 2020 election shortfalls – Mahama
The 2020 presidential candidate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Mahama has stated that his party is ready to engage the Electoral Commission (EC) in a constructive dialogue over challenges that marred the 2020 elections to proffer solutions to those challenges.
Addressing the nation at the Kempinski hotel to end his ‘Thank You’ tour of the 16 regions on Wednesday, the 2020 NDC flagbearer said the NDC has commenced engagement with stakeholders to propose reforms to the electoral process.
“We, in the NDC have duly learned useful, even if bitter lessons, from the entire episode. We are willing to engage the EC in constructive dialogue with a view to addressing the clear shortfalls of the present electoral process and fashion out one that meets the expectations of all, if we are to avoid the unfortunate incidents of 2020.
We have started this process by proposing a number of reforms to the electoral process and we continue to carry out consultations with stakeholders. We look forward to having an opportunity with the Electoral Commission to discuss these reforms and their possible implementation,” he said.
Recounting the violence and the unfortunate deaths that marred the 2020 elections, the former president said such incidents must not be allowed to recur.
“Our difficulties with the elections have been well-documented and I would belabour the point if I recounted them here. Suffice it to say, that the kind of violence that claimed the lives of eight of our citizens, the misuse of security agencies to influence the outcome of elections in some constituencies and the uneven playing field that marred the 2020 elections, should never be allowed to recur,” John Mahama said.
Meanwhile, the NDC has called on the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) to provide updates on the investigations launched into violent incidents that occurred during the 2020 election.
Eight lives were reported to have been lost during the election.
The party has also petitioned the IGP to investigate the alleged printing of one million extra ballot papers by Innolink Printing Press during the 2020 general elections.