Accra: The Institute for Democratic Governance (IDEG) and the Civic Forum Initiative (CFI) have called on the Inspector-General of Police and the Attorney-General to arrest and prosecute those responsible for the assaults that occurred during the Ablekuma North re-run election.
According to Ghana News Agency, a joint statement was issued by Mr. Kwesi Jonah, Head of Advocacy and Institutional Relations at IDEG, and Dr. Angela Dwamena-Aboagye, Chairperson of CFI. The statement emphasized that prosecuting the perpetrators would serve as a deterrent to electoral violence and uphold the rule of law.
The organizations expressed serious concern over the violent incidents that took place at 19 polling stations in the Ablekuma North Constituency. They highlighted disturbing video evidence showing physical assaults on journalists, voters, and a former Member of Parliament, underscoring the ongoing threat to Ghana's democratic process.
The statement pointed out that such incidents are part of a dangerous pattern of electoral violence and impunity. It stressed that elections should be peaceful expressions of the people's will, rather than arenas for political intimidation and fear.
The CSOs referenced past incidents in Ayawaso West Wuogon, Tolon, and Ahafo Ano South West, attributing the recurrence of violence to the lack of political will in holding perpetrators accountable.
IDEG and CFI called for bold measures to eliminate violent political tactics and vigilantism. They urged the National Elections Security Task Force to adopt a proactive and preventative approach as the Akwatia by-election approaches.
Furthermore, the statement encouraged civil society organizations to engage with major political parties to break the cycle of electoral violence. It advocated for constitutional and institutional reforms, along with media-police collaboration, to restore public confidence in Ghana's electoral and law enforcement systems.
Lastly, IDEG and CFI expressed empathy for the victims of political violence and reaffirmed their commitment to promoting a peaceful, inclusive, and accountable democratic culture.
