he Deputy General Secretary of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Mustapha Foyo Gbande, has strongly condemned the use of attacks and election-rigging strategies by the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) ahead of the December 2024 elections. He emphasized that the policies and governance of the NPP over the past eight years should be enough to secure them votes at the polls, and that resorting to underhanded tactics would only destabilize the electoral process.
Speaking on Adekyee Mu Nsem, a morning show on Ahotor 92.3 FM, hosted by Citizen Kofi Owusu in Accra, Gbande stressed the importance of ensuring free, fair, and transparent elections for all stakeholders. He warned that any attempts to rig the election could lead to violence and unrest.
“The stability of our nation, along with the promise of a free and fair election, is a must for all political parties,” he said. “Rather than echoing an agenda of election manipulation, we must ensure that the election process remains peaceful and transparent.”
Gbande outlined that the basic rules governing elections on voting day should create a fair environment for voters. Both the Electoral Commission and political parties must work together to ensure peaceful voting, proper counting of votes, and the declaration of accurate results. However, he warned that any attempts by the government to use the police or military to intimidate NDC supporters would be met with equal resistance.
He also highlighted the leadership of NDC flagbearer, John Dramani Mahama, whose track record, according to Gbande, reflects a commitment to peace, stability, and national development.
“Peace is a collective responsibility,” Gbande noted. “The police, political parties, and other key stakeholders must work together to ensure that the country remains peaceful before and after the December 7th election.”
He further stressed that the NDC is committed to ensuring peace, and that it is essential for the Electoral Commission to carry out its role effectively to ensure a free and fair election.
However, Gbande accused the NPP of not being committed to peace, citing incidents from the last election when the NPP allegedly used police and military forces to intimidate voters in NDC strongholds.
“The NPP’s track record in governance is marred by corruption, poor leadership, and attempts to manipulate elections with money,” Gbande said. “If they truly believe their eight years in power speak for themselves, they should let the policies of good governance stand as their success story, not resort to tactics of intimidation and violence to retain power.”
