The Ghana Catholic Bishops Conference has urged the Electoral Commission of Ghana to give all political parties a fair and level playing ground to contest the upcoming elections.
The Bishops are also appealing to all political parties and their members to support and respect the independence and verdicts of the Electoral Commission.
This was contained in a statement issued and signed by the President of the Bishops Conference, Most Reverend Philip Naameh to begin 2020 Lenten Season.
The Lenten season is on the Theme: “We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled with God” (2 Cor 5:20).
The Bishops encouraged all the stakeholders to continue to use the Inter-Party Advisory Committee (IPAC) sessions to engage the EC on their grievances.
They call on all Christians of voting age to exercise their civic responsibilities in the forthcoming Presidential and Parliamentary elections. “Following the footsteps of Jesus who did not shun his civil duties, all Christians should actively participate in the elections. We need to exercise our franchise conscientiously during the elections to secure a better country for tomorrow. We need to eschew the vote-buying syndrome and vote according to our conscience.
6.1 We appeal to the President of the Republic of Ghana and the security agencies to provide the necessary and conducive environment devoid of fear, intimidation, and hooliganism. When people are not sure of their safety, they will not risk their lives to vote. Every human life is sacrosanct and needs to be protected. All Ghanaians must work hard to uphold the sanctity of human life before, during and after the forthcoming elections.”
The statement said,” The security agencies should be on top of the situation by being tactful and practical to prevent electoral insecurity.”
It said “We call on the Electoral Commission (EC) to remain an unbiased umpire to restore confidence in the electoral system. It should not be the case of “he who pays the piper calls the tune”.”
“It is urged to conduct free, fair and transparent elections.
Digital technologies have added zest to the ability of people to communicate. At this age, everybody is a journalist. We urge all Ghanaians to use social media, the internet, mobile phones, etc., in a more positive and better way. These devices are not to be used to fuel hate and violent speeches. Violence is the antithesis of peace and it prides itself on the sword. Jesus tells us: “for all who take the sword will perish by the sword” (Matt 26:52). Today, the sword can take the form of multiple registrations, multiple voting, vigilantism, “macho” men who intimidate and steal ballot boxes, using the digital media to write and propagate damaging things. As we go to the polls this year, let all work harder than ever to shelve our swords of hatred, anger, bitterness, quarrels, and killings, and reach out to each other in peace. It should be noted that the violent show of passion obstructs peace and makes harmony a difficult thing to achieve.”
Source: Mybrytfmonline/Kofi Atakora
