Ghana stands to lose gains ? National Enforcement Body warns

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The National Enforcement Body (NEB) of the 2012 Political Parties Code of Conduct has expressed concern about the prevailing tension that has followed the just-ended 2012 general election.

According to the body, which was constituted under the auspicies of the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA), the prevailing tension was likely to derail gains made so far in the country?s democratic dispensation.

Speaking at a meeting to review the 2012 elections in Accra Thursday, the Chairman of NEB, Rev. Dr. Emmanuel Asante Antwi, urged media houses to ensure that their platforms were not used to heighten political tension in the country through the use of vitriolic and intemperate language.

The meeting was attended by leading members of some political parties, civil society groups and other stakeholders as well as the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA).

Rev. Dr. Asante Antwi drew the attention of political parties to the provisions of the 2012 Political Parties Code of Conduct, with particular reference to paragraphs two, three and four under the heading; ?Activities After The Declaration of Results.?

The provisions require all parties and candidates to openly restrain their members and supporters from reacting violently to election results, use all available means of mass communication to restrain their members and supporters who react violently to election results.

They also restrained all political parties and candidates not to taunt, insult and humiliate their opponents who they defeated at an election and to celebrate their victory with decorum.

Under the the provisions, all political parties and candidates accepted to use only the due process of law to address grievances they may have in respect of an election.

Rev Asante Antwi drew the attention of all political parties and stakeholders of the tendencies that acts of violence and lawlessness were likely to overburden the country?s scarce resources.

?The NEB finds it unfortunate that a section of political party supporters were attacking media personnel in their line of operation,? Rev Asante said, adding that ?we, therefore, enjoin all parties and actors to continue to conduct themselves in a manner that promotes the peace of our dear nation.?

He, however, commended political parties, the electorate and all stakeholders for their general comportment and compliance with the provisions of the 2012 Political Parties Code of Conduct during the elections.

While appealing to political actors and the general public to safeguard the country?s peace, Rev. Asante Antwi announced that the group would soon make public its report on the 2012 elections.

Daily Graphic

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