A leading NPP member, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has called for calm and respect for democratic principles, urging the opposition NDC to emulate the statesmanship displayed by Dr Mahamudu Bawumia.

Following the declaration of Frank Bekoe as the winner of the keenly contested Suhum parliamentary election on Thursday, December 12, he highlighted the transparency of the electoral process, emphasising the NPP’s commitment to democracy and the rule of law.

“In all the coalition, we patiently went through the pink sheets,” he said.

Despite objections raised by the NDC and an independent candidate over five polling station results, the NPP accepted the challenges in good faith.

“We said, no problem. If they are rejecting the inclusion of those five polling stations, plus another polling station pink sheet that could not be found, we will still yield to them. That said, we still won by a comfortable margin,” Afenyo-Markin stated.

He credited the victory to the provision of adequate security and the firm stance of the Electoral Commission.

“We thank God that when security was properly provided, and the EC was firm, we’ve all seen transparently that we have achieved,” he noted.

Mr Afenyo-Markin underscored the NPP’s dedication to democratic ideals. “We believe in democracy as NPP, we believe in the rule of law, and we don’t believe in violence or unnecessary chaos.”

Turning his attention to the NDC, Afenyo-Markin urged them to maintain peace and focus on the remaining collation processes.

“Let us all demonstrate to the world that we are Ghanaians who believe in the rule of law,” he appealed.

Drawing a sharp contrast, he praised former Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia for his gracious concession in the presidential race, calling on the NDC to take a cue.

“Dr. Bawumia is a statesman. He conceded where he realised that he had lost, and they [the NDC] should follow in that spirit.”

Afenyo-Markin was resolute in his assertion that the NDC is aware of its losses in many constituencies.

“They know; the NDC is aware that most of these seats that they are trying to fight, they have lost,” he remarked.

As Suhum’s political landscape settles, Afenyo-Markin’s message stands as a reminder of the need for civility and respect for the democratic process, reinforcing Ghana’s reputation as a beacon of democracy in Africa.