The Institute of Economic Affairs and representatives of the country’s main political parties have appealed to President Mills to push for the quick passage of the presidential transition bill. They are also pushing for the state funding of political parties. The delegation made the plea when they paid a courtesy call on the president at the Castle, Osu, Thursday. An administrator at the IEA, Mrs. Jean Mensah, told Joy News the bills are necessary to deepen Ghana’s democratic process and enhance the rule of law. “The transition bill if passed into law would allow for a smooth handing over from one democratically elected government to another, devoid of rancour and acrimony. “We also believe that with the revised political parties bill, if passed into law, would ensure a smooth and enabling environment for the political parties to thrive,” she hinted. The IEA drafted the bill soon after the 2008 cliff-hanger election which nearly resulted in bloodbath. Responding to the issue, the president promised to work with all political parties to ensure Ghana maintains her reputation as the beacon of democracy on the African Continent. He however urged politicians as well as civil society organisations to remain objective in all spheres of their endeavour. “It is important that we maintain our objectivity but at the end of it all let’s show a spirit of cooperation and collaboration so that at the end of the day the people will renew their confidence in us as politicians,” he stressed. Story by Fiifi Koomson/Myjoyonline.com