Former President Rawlings has called on Ghanaians to go into Sunday’s Presidential election runoff with a desire to ensure peace and development for Ghana. In a pre-election statement issued in Accra on Saturday the former President said the electorate should put to shame those who have been preaching violence, intimidation and fear by resisting acts of provocation. “The electoral process is straight forward and not different from what took place on December 7. Follow similar procedures while being vigilant to ensure that no untoward acts take place, as your vote is your right,” he emphasised. Former President Rawlings was thankful to Ghanaians for the level of maturity shown throughout the entire electioneering process and said tomorrow we have to let that maturity put us on the world map. “From Kenya to Zimbabwe to recent events in Guinea, Africa has become a laughing stock as one election after the other expose our weak political structures. “Let us not allow a minority with ulterior motives detract us from our avowed aim of entrenching the current democracy we enjoy by forcing us into violence, voter fraud or vote rigging,” former President Rawlings said. Ghana, the ex-President noted had gone through political metamorphoses over the years and that learning curve is what has brought us to this current stage. “We owe it to future generations to enhance the democratic dispensation we enjoy so our nation can develop,” he said. The former President said the election process had seen its fair share of mudslinging, abuse of personalities, violence and threats of violence but “we should allow tomorrow to remain peaceful and event free.” “I call on the security agencies, election officials, polling agents and political party officials to exercise exemplary levels of professionalism tomorrow and the days after. “I have heard talk of security agencies being warned to shoot live ammunition etc. It is imperative they prove that they are not out to use force but rather to protect the electorate. Their approach and conduct if appropriate and rational may diffuse a lot of potentially violent situations. “Brandishing weaponry and threatening to use them may actually fuel volatile situations and lead to violence which may affect everyone. “This election is not war so let no one shout out orders as if it is. I enjoin the voting public to go out in their numbers and make the right choice tomorrow. Do not be scared by the state of emergency situations that have been created because it will come to naught if you go out there and vote appropriately. “God bless Ghana,” he concluded. Source: Kofi Adams