The Institute for Democratic Governance (IDEG) joins all Ghanaians to mourn the untimely death of our late President, Professor John Evans Atta Mills. We wish to convey our heartfelt condolences to the First Lady, Mrs Naadu Mills, and the bereaved families. This sad event has undoubtedly unified the nation in grief. Political leaders have called off election campaigns as a sign of respect for the late President and his family; in-keeping with our common Ghanaian values, we are mourning and reflecting together. In death, President Atta Mills has been acknowledged across the political and social divide of the natipn as a man of peace who demonstrated humility in high office and respect for all citizens. He became a symbol of political moderation which he manifested in several ways. We recall that he conceded to electoral defeat graciously, facilitated political and administrative transitions dutifully and eventually when he assumed office as President of the Republic of Ghana in January 2009 he conducted himself as a father of the nation. Subsequently he confronted the challenges of uniting a polarised country; managing its economy and development with equanimity, while preparing it for elections with integrity this year. The late President Mills was highly responsive to the views and demands of the Ghanaian public. Therefore, he appointed the Constitution Review Commission to review the 1992 Constitution and took measu. res intended "to address the growing public anxiety over the threat of violence in this year's elections. He further assured the nation and the international community that he would do his upmost to uphold the culture of holding peaceful and credible elections in Ghana. With his death, these comrnitments have yet to be fulfilled completely. Having managed the Presidential succession smoothly, we must now as a nation in grief also reflect on how we would collectively execute the assurances he gave on credible and peaceful elections and constitutional reforms. The challenge is how we will successfully conduct decent politics devoid of the insults, acrimony and divisiveness that troubled the nation and was of deep concern to President Mills. Indeed it is time to strive collectively to translate our current unity in 'grief into a lasting unity of common purpose of advancing peaceful and credible elections this year, while maintaining our social cohesion and national unity through good governance. Our ability to do so in the coming months would be the greatest tribute to pay collectively to our late President, Professor John Evans Atta Mills. May President Mills' soul rest in eternal peace, Long Live Ghana. Signed: Dr. Emmanuel A. A~wetey Executive Director