The National Union of Ghana Students has hailed Ghanaians for once again exercising their civic responsibility in the presidential run-off. The Union believes that despite the reported cases of violence and other untoward incidents in some polling stations in the country, we as a people have pulled it off once again. It is our hope that the political parties will continue to exhibit restraint and maturity and as the Electoral Commission declares the result. The statement is published below STATEMENT OF THE NATIONAL UNION OF GHANA STUDENTS ON THE PRESIDENTIAL RUN-OFF The National Union of Ghana Students has hailed Ghanaians for once again exercising their civic responsibility in the presidential run-off. The Union believes that despite the reported cases of violence and other untoward incidents in some polling stations in the country, we as a people have pulled it off once again. It is our hope that the political parties will continue to exhibit restraint and maturity and as the Electoral Commission declares the result. The magnanimity exhibited by the leaders of the parties prior to this day is appreciated and we believe that whoever emerges winner will rejoice in humility. They must however restrain their supporters from provocative acts in their jubilation as that has the potential to trigger discord and engender undesirable repercussions. Victors should remember the people of Ghana are sharply divided in opinion given the trend of results announced so far. That means that they will have to work hard to dissipate the unnecessary tensions that preceded the elections. Those who disagree with the results, we respectfully request, should use due process to seek redress so that Ghana will continue to enjoy its enviable reputation of a stable country in a turbulent region. Losers should remember that there is always a better day. Students of Ghana are grateful to all who defied all the odds and contributed to the achievement of this feat. The many young people who helped to observe the election must share in the nation’s glowing stature. Their bravery and astuteness refreshes hope in Ghana. The Ghanaian society owes the Electoral Commission due commendation. The EC has demonstrated that if political parties and interest groups do not engage in unnecessary manoeuvres, Ghana can rise to be acclaimed the world’s finest example in democratic practice. Ghana has indeed won. Long Live Ghana. God Bless Ghana. President Ishmael Tweneboa-Kodua 0249206669 Press and Information Secretary Malik Abass Daabu 0243150805 The Union sent out observers and the team of observers made the following findings. A comprehensive report will be compiled and a copy given to the Electoral Commission at a later date. ELECTORATE The electorate showed a high sense of awareness of the electoral process with an equally high level of vigilantism. In areas that are traditional strongholds of a party the vigilance tended to border on the absurd. PARTIES The parties were very disappointing and largely irresponsible in the second round throwing all caution to the dogs. The unsubstantiated claims, exaggerated narration of incidences and senseless propaganda was shocking and in stark contrast to the decorum in which the first round was conducted. We can only associate this disturbing scene to the high level of mistrust that the NPP and the NDC have for each other. What was generally clear was the lack of principles, morality and the civilized sense of restraint that was exhibited. Anything was allowable. The undermining of institutions by both parties was unacceptable. It is the considered opinion of NUGS that such attitudes set a disturbing precedent. Politics is a game of reasoning and a means of solving societal ills. Demonizing the means to power is unacceptable and NUGS wishes to express its disappointment in the political parties. ELECTORAL OFFICERS The electoral officers across the nation generally showed a high sense of maturity. With the exception of isolated cases, the officers had a high threshold of tolerance for the sometimes intense provocations from both parties. They clearly were neutral and strived to make decisions based on the law. It is our considered opinion that the Electoral Commission has done a yeoman’s job but the posture of the commission at certain times was terrible and we recommend that the Commission strengthen its education unit and work to assert an image of independence. The high sense of neutrality of the commission may be one the overriding factors for the credibility of the polls. This sense of neutrality must be imprinted on the minds of the electorate since troubles always are brewed from the mind. MEDIA The electronic media, with emphasis on the radio stations, was overwhelmingly disappointing in their reportage. There were no journalistic standards in play save a few radio stations. We wish to remind the media that they are watchdogs and are to act in the capacity as the living conscience of the society. SECURITY SERVICES The security services were excellent in their response to dire situations. They showed a high sense of professionalism and were committed to guarding the integrity of the process without interference. What is worrying, however, is the high level of mistrust and disrespect that both parties and the populace have for the police service. We will like to remind the police service that security is a state of the mind. We urge the service to work on reassuring the general populace