The Centre for Local Governance Advocacy (CLGA) is calling on government to declare March 3, 2015 a public holiday to build up interest and participation in local level elections taking place that day.

In a statement copied to Adom News, Executive Director of the group Dr. Vladimir Antwi Danso explained that over the years, district level elections have not been attractive because of its non partisan nature but declaring election day a holiday will help whip up interest and deepen democracy at the grassroot level.

The statement follows a similar call by the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), and the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development on the need to whip up public enthusiasm and increased participation in the upcoming local level elections.

The statement said in order to give true meaning to Article 35(6d) of the 1992 constitution which states that ‘the state shall take appropriate measures to make democracy a reality by affording all possible opportunities to the people to participate in decision making at every level of national life and in government’ efforts must be made to promote voter participation in all local level elections

Meanwhile the contest is becoming keen in the various electoral areas as assembly members intensify campaigns to retain confidence in them.

Some are embarking on creative, non-traditional methods to hold on to their offices.