A senior research fellow at the Legon Centre for International Affairs, Dr Vladimir Antwi Danso, says protests and electoral feuds in certain constituencies must not be a basis for tension in the country. He said although such disagreements can be expected, Ghanaians must regard them as a constitutional right and an element of our democracy. Dr. Danso had been speaking to Accra-based TV3’s Election House programme on Tuesday. The 2008 election has generally been peaceful but disputes are emerging, especially, over some parliamentary polls. The collation of parliamentary ballots in the Weija and the Ayawaso Central constituencies nearly triggered violent clashes between supporters of the two major political parties, the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the main opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC). He warned that any appeal for a recount must be done within the confines of the law. The collation of the Weija and Ayawaso Central parliamentary ballots were done several times. He discounted suggestions that the atmosphere following the elections could plunge the country into conflict. International observers have praised Ghana for a generally peaceful poll. Former Nigerian President General Yakubu Gowon has said Ghana, first to gain independence in Africa, must set an example for the rest of the continent. Dr. Danso condemned what he says had been the early claims of victories by the NPP and the NDC ahead of the official Electoral Commission declaration of results. He urged the electorate to exercise restraint, stressing that “democracy is a process and not an event.” Story by Fiifi Koomson