By: Ama Gyamfuah
The National Peace Council (NPC) says it is carefully observing the political dialogue ahead of the December 7 elections and will not hesitate to hold accountable any political party or politician who make violent threats. The Council’s National Chairman, Rev. Dr. Ernest Adu-Gyamfi acknowledged that while it’s common for political actors to express confidence in winning elections, resorting to threats of violence to influence electoral outcomes it is unacceptable.
“There is nothing wrong when politicians make statements that they are optimistic of winning an election because no one goes to an election and hopes to lose. If they make such comments, that is okay as long as they do not cross the red line by threatening to use the police, the military or other means of violence,” he stressed.
In an interview, Rev. Dr. Adu-Gyamfi stated that while political parties declaring their intent to win elections by any means necessary can be considered part of the campaign process, it is only acceptable as long as those declarations are not accompanied by threats of violence.
However, he urged political party leaders to honor the commitment they made on July 3 this year, to carry out “a peaceful campaign free from personal attacks, name-calling, insults, character assassination, and other indecent practices” in the lead-up to the December 7, 2024, elections.