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What next after December 7?

Some die-hard political party loyalists have, by their extremist pre-election behaviour, given indications for the nation to be concerned about the potential for violence and chaos during the elections. Already, there have been a worrying number of violent clashes in the name of politics.

Ghana elections

Read more: Woes of a citizen

Since the Fourth Republic was instituted in 1992, the country has enjoyed six separate peaceful elections and and two successful changes in government  from one party to another, but there is a sense that this elections could still test our democratic credentials.

Read more:Buhari Comment

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In an interview conducted by Pulse.com.gh, some Ghanaians expressed their opinions about the imminent elections and the need for peace among Ghanaians before and after the high profile polls.

An elderly man who owns a mechanic workshop said: “We proudly tell foreigners that Ghana is a democratic country but as this year’s elections draws closer, some Ghanaians like me who have witnessed several elections live in fear and panic.

Honestly, I am so scared that I don’t even want to step out come Election Day. I don’t want to witness the fighting and shooting that might befall our beloved country Ghana.”

A National Service person lamented: “I am daring the various political parties; if they think the Electoral Commission is not competent to give an honest verdict after Ghanaians have cast their votes then they should either appoint a new EC or remain silent forever.”

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“We don’t want to fight,” said a shop-owner. “Even from Military rule to Democratic rule there was peace in the country. If somebody wants you to fight for them, ask them to take the guns first and you will follow them.  We are all one people.”

A Station Master who has five children and two wives added: “We will not fight. If you ask me to fight, I will beat you first with the little strength I have left. We have seen the fate of Ivory Coast and Liberia and we don’t want that for Ghana. We will never fight each other.”

“I am a young guy with no wife and children and I want peace in Ghana,” added a Taxi Driver. “We will never fight. Even the leaders have taken their children and families abroad because they think something bad might happen. Ghana belongs to us if we fight where we will go?”

“We want truth and accuracy from the Electoral Commission. If party A wins, they should announce as such. No macho men should be allowed around the ballot boxes. If it is time for counting, one can just observe without causing any chaos at polling centres. We want peace in Ghana,” said a food vendor.

“We shouldn’t say something that will make our neighbour angry. We should never provoke anyone with political issues. We are all one people just separated by tribes, and I’m pleading with everybody to ensure tolerance for a peaceful Ghana,” said a Seamstress.

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“Ghanaians, we need peace as we vote on December 7. We should remember that we have families before we start thinking of fighting each other over election results. Radio panelists are always shouting and arguing on the airwaves which doesn’t show good leadership skills. We should all go and vote in our numbers and accept the results in good faith, whether it favours us or not,” a shop assistant added.

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