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PNC calls for political tolerance
Accra, April 9, Ghanadot/GNA – The
People’s National Convention (PNC) on Wednesday called for
political tolerance and exhibition of high sense of maturity
from all political leaders as the nation warms up for
Election 2008.
Dr Edward N. Mahama, PNC flag bearer who made the call,
emphasised the urgent need to reduce intra and inter party
antagonism, provocation and attacks.
In an interview with the Ghana News Agency after speaking at
a function of the Political Science Students Association (POSSA)
of the University of Ghana, he explained that on the issue
of political tolerance the PNC stood out among the lot as
the most affable, politically mature with an unblemished
reputation.
He appealed to mostly leaders of the ruling New Patriotic
Party (NPP) and the main opposition National Democratic
Congress (NDC) to reduce intra and inter party antagonism,
bickering and any negative tendencies that had the potential
of derailing the nation’s quest to deepen democracy.
Speaking on: “Political Tolerance; An Ideal Recipe for
Consolidating Ghana’s Democracy,” Dr. Mahama said the party
had played a diplomatic role since the 1992 elections.
He noted that his character, tenacity and relationship with
all leading members of other political parties had
contributed to the calming of nerves after all the major
elections when the grounds were fertile for conflicts.
“After the declaration of the results of the 2000 Elections,
there were political uncertainties. I quickly conceded
defeat and declared my support for then candidate John
Agyekum Kufuor and appealed to all my supporters to vote for
the NPP candidate in the presidential run-off.
“I believe that timely act, settled matters and cleared the
way for the run-off. I had also suffered electoral injustice
over the years but as a politically mature person, I
accepted the explanation by the Electoral Commission to
allow the state machinery to move forward.”
He therefore appealed to other leaders to be circumspect in
deed and speech to ensure that the nation remained united
after the elections.
Dr Emmanuel Akwetey, Executive Director of Institute for
Democratic Governance (IDEG), said the development in Kenya
and Zimbabwe should guide the nation’s politicians and
political stakeholders as they embarked on their campaign.
Other speakers at the POSSA symposium included Mr Kwabena
Bomfey, National Youth Organiser of the Convention People’s
Party, Mr. Kwabena Agyepong former Presidential Press
Secretary and Dr Kwesi Jonah, a Political Science lecturer
and Senior Research Fellow of IDEG.
GNA
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