South Tongu NCCE Inaugurates Inter-Party Dialogue Committee to Promote Peaceful Elections

The South Tongu Directorate of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) has inaugurated its Inter-Party Dialogue Committee (IPDC) over the weekend to promote peaceful elections in the District this year.

The engagement, which brought together more than 20 key stakeholders, including political party leaders, Candidates, traditional authorities, clergy, security personnel, market women, persons with disabilities (PWDs), youth groups, representatives from the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), and the Electoral Commission and other key representatives, was held at the District Assembly Hall

Reverend Robert Sedo, Chairman of the Local Council of Churches who welcomed the stakeholders, emphasized on importance of peaceful elections. He reminded all participants that elections are a competition of ideas, not violence. Drawing attention to the unrest in neighboring countries, Reverend Sedo urged Ghanaians to maintain peace, as He called on political parties and their supporters to tolerate different views and prioritize national unity over partisan interests

Mr. Seth Fiagorme, the District Director of NCCE, Soth Tongu, expressed his gratitude to the stakeholders for their participation, saying, “It is a collective responsibility of all involved in the electoral process to preserve the nation’s peace,”

He explained that the IPDCs were established as platforms for political parties to discuss key issues, resolve conflicts, share perspectives, and work together to ensure a calm and informed electorate.

Chief Superintendent Andam Okyere, the District Police Commander, called on political parties to educate their supporters on the importance of respecting the law, particularly regarding the destruction of billboards and the defacement of opponents’ posters. He reminded them that such actions are criminal offenses and advised parties to seek permission from property owners before pasting posters on their walls. Chief Superintendent Okyere also encouraged political parties to collaborate with security personnel by informing them about their campaign activities to ensure adequate security measures are in place.

The Electoral Commission used the opportunity to update participants on their preparedness for the upcoming elections, assuring the committee of their commitment to conducting free, fair, and transparent elections. However, they expressed disappointment over the low turnout during the recent voter exhibition exercise, urging voters to engage more actively in the democratic process.

At the end of the program, representatives from all the political parties present, including the New Patriotic Party (NPP), the National Democratic Congress (NDC), the Ghana Union Movement (GUM), and the Progressive Alliance for Change Ghana, signed a communiqué pledging their commitment to peaceful conduct before, during, and after the 2024 elections in the district.

Source: veritasnewsgh