The Institute for Democratic Governance (IDEG) has commended the mature and collaborative approach demonstrated by Ghana's presidential candidates in the 2024 elections.

In a statement issued on December 9, IDEG highlighted the significance of Dr Mahamudu Bawumia of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) conceding defeat and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) affirming that their internal data aligns with the announced outcomes.

Describing this as a historic milestone in Ghana’s democratic journey, IDEG praised the candidates for upholding the principles of democracy and fostering national unity.

"This moment marks an extraordinary milestone in the democratic practice of our nation, as we witness an exemplary gesture of mutual acceptance and acknowledgment by key stakeholders in the 2024 electoral process.

"However, in respect of the concession by the NPP presidential candidate, a protracted declaration of the presidential election results by the Electoral Commission risks undermining the confidence built by the candidates’ acceptance of the results and the nation’s desire to move forward.

"Once there is no contention between the political parties on the results, this new dawn should serve as an opportunity to consolidate national unity, build trust, and strengthen the foundations of our democracy," potions of the statement indicated.

However, IDEG expressed concern over delays by the Electoral Commission (EC) in finalizing and declaring the presidential election results. The institute warned that prolonged delays could erode the confidence built by the candidates' acceptance of the results and dampen the nation’s desire to move forward.

In this regard, they called on the EC to work diligently and transparently to finalize and validate the results, ensuring public trust and confidence in the process.

Also, they urged political parties to call to order supporters to refrain from acts of violence and accept the ongoing collation process with patience and calm.

Again, IDEG entreated stakeholders to support a seamless transition and discourage actions that could destabilize the peace and unity achieved during this electoral cycle.

IDEG particularly stressed the importance of demobilizing voters gathered at collation centres to de-escalate tensions, urging party leaders to play a proactive role in this effort.

The institute emphasized that the EC’s swift announcement of the president-elect will mark a critical step in Ghana’s democratic consolidation.

“When the EC performs its constitutional duty of announcing the president-elect, we would rise as a nation to applaud the new standards set by the two leaders.”