The Deputy General Secretary of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Mustapha Gbande, has stressed the importance of professionalism from the Electoral Commission (EC) as Ghana’s presidential candidates prepare to sign a peace pact today, November 28.

Speaking on the AM Show on Joy News, he underscored the significance of peaceful elections for the country's unity and stability.

According to Mr. Gbande, the peace process is vital to national coexistence, urging that politics should never divide society or serve as a platform for violence. “Elections should be about exercising our rights to choose leaders and participating in government-building,” he remarked.

He also referenced past electoral issues, highlighting the loss of eight lives during the 2020 elections as a reminder of the need for justice and better handling of such situations. “We believe there has been injustice in addressing these incidents, and the EC, as the main referee in the electoral process, must take steps to build trust and ensure transparency,” Mr Gbande said.

The NDC expects the EC to maintain credibility by implementing clear, trustworthy processes to guarantee violence-free elections. Mr Gbande stressed that disagreements arising from unclear procedures often lead to tensions, but a professional approach by the EC could prevent this.

Beyond the role of the EC, Mr. Gbande reiterated the NDC’s commitment to peaceful elections, describing the party's presidential candidate, John Dramani Mahama, as a unifier who envisions an inclusive society. He also urged the police to ensure security arrangements are robust, preventing any breaches during the election period.

The NDC, he added, is prepared to remain vigilant at polling stations to ensure the right things are done. As the signing of the peace pact approaches, Mr Gbande stated that the NDC is attending with high expectations.

Read also: Political parties set to sign Peace Pact ahead of Election 2024 today

“We are going there to confirm whether the Peace Council has addressed our concerns and provided the assurances we’ve demanded. If satisfied, we will sign the pact to reassure Ghanaians that they can confidently and safely cast their votes,” he concluded.