“I have monitored the news during this election season, and I am well aware of the political tension. Every political party has shared their manifestos; let’s all focus on these policies. The election is about sharing our ideas and opinions, so what we must avoid is stirring violence. Any person who engages in violence is an unpatriotic citizen,” he stated.
In an interview with journalists on Sunday, 17th November, he advised voters to respect and safeguard the country’s 1992 Constitution. “When it is election day, we will all vote peacefully to make our choice. We will rally behind the newly elected president under the Constitution. This is to ensure that we protect the Constitution instead of always changing it. A peaceful election this year is important for future elections,” he added.
As part of efforts to minimise potential electoral violence, former President Kufuor emphasised the importance of mutual respect among all Ghanaians. He pointed out: “We must respect that the true power belongs to the people. So we must all vote peacefully and rally behind the elected candidate.”
The former president also urged senior high school students to vote for the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) in gratitude for the implementation of the free SHS policy.
Meanwhile, with barely 19 days to the December 7 elections, presidential candidates of the various political parties including the NPP’s Dr Mahamudu Bawumia and the NDC’s John Dramani Mahama have intensified their nationwide campaigns, in an attempt to rally voters.