Various international observers who monitored Ghana’s Sunday polls have lauded the process as transparent, free and fair as counting advances in a close Presidential race which may be in run-off. In a separate media briefing they have applauded the Electoral Commission (EC), political parties and the electorates of showing maturity at the polls. The head of African Union (AU) Observing Team Ahmed Salim Ahmed said Ghana being an oasis of peace have gone a long way in contributing to the consolidation of democracy and multi party stability, not only in Ghana but the African continent. “It was interesting to see the electorates queuing in the scorching sun in an orderly manner to cast their votes peacefully”. The AU Head appealed to the EC to expand electoral polling stations to enable all registered voters to cast their votes within the stipulated time. On the part of Baroness Valerie Amos, Chairperson of Commonwealth Observing Mission the peaceful polls would continue to deepen the democratic process in Ghana. “The Commonwealth upholds Ghana for their consistence multi party practices on the continent”. Baroness Amos, who is leading an eight-member team from the Commonwealth Secretariat to observe the election, said reports from their team who traveled different parts of the country corroborated the success of the polls. “At this crucial point we entreat all Ghanaians to remain calm since the sole institution to announcer the verdict of the people is the Electoral Commission. Ghana’s Electoral Commission have done it in many years and also trained other officials in the Sub Region hence need to have faith in on their judgment’ said the Head of ECOWAS Mission Gen. Dr. Yakubu Gowon. He added that any party that would have a difference after the verdict should result to the processes of law system without protests at streets. He was quick to add that Ghana is a country that would not enter into debacle. Bulgarian Nickolay Mladenov who leads the European Union Observing Team said Ghana for many years have sound electioneering processes in the past and had shown that in the polls. The EU mission which was in the country by the invitation of the EC applauded the security, media and electorates for their professionalism. “Electoral Observers will remain in Ghana to fulfill the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed with the Electoral Commission to provide information required for the election process if it gets to run-off”. “During our long stay in the country we have been able to look at the processes with the Electoral Commission, Civil Society, Media, Security and Political Parties that clearly shows that Ghana is ready to embrace peace before and after the polls”. The polls commenced on Sunday December 7, and electorates are to let a President and 230 Parliamentary seats. At the time of going to press, sources close to Africa News indicated that there would be a possible run -off. By the electoral law, the EC has between 72 hours to declare the results. A candidate needs to have 50 percent plus one vote to enable him wrestle power. Story: Daniel Nana Aforo Credit: Ground Report