NPP, NDC urged to educate supporters on outcome of election petition
The two political parties involved in the 2012 election petition that is currently before the Supreme Court have been advised to educate their followers on proceedings at the court. Dr Edward N. Mahama, a former Presidential Candidate of the People’s National Convention, also asked executives of the New Patriotic Party and National Democratic Congress to sensitize their supporters to the intricacies and legalities of events at the Court and not to sensationalize the case.
Dr Mahama, who made the call at a press encounter in Accra on Friday, urged the petitioners and respondents to ensure that their supporters would accept the outcome of the legal battle.
He cautioned that any reaction by followers of the two parties at the grassroots could jeopardise the stability of the nation.
Dr Mahama said: “On several occasions, during Election 2012, both President John Dramani Mahama and Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, (the NPP Presidential Candidate) pledged to accept the results of the presidential election.
“Now we are in Court for the final determination of Election 2012 presidential results in spite of the commitments before the polls.”
He appealed to senior citizens, civil society, religious and traditional heads and the public to ensure that the leadership of NDC and NPP and their supporters accept the verdict of the Court.
Dr Mahama, who contested in the 1996, 2000, 2004 and 2008 presidential elections but lost on all occasions, said: “My perseverance in the political field demonstrates my love for the country rather than ambition.”
“On all these four times that I contested for the Presidency, I always bore in mind that it was a win for Dr Mahama, even if the results show otherwise. I lost but Ghana remains peaceful and stable. It is this philosophy that moves me to speak at this time.”
He advised the media to avoid giving platforms to “non-legal people” to interpret proceedings at the Court.
Dr Mahama also warned representatives of political parties who appear on talk shows to avoid giving false hope to their supporters and making comments that could fuel tension.
He said: “In other words, those who are ignorant of the law should not give judgement on this complex and technical case ahead of the Court’s verdict.”
Source: GNA