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The Commonwealth Observer Group, which has been on location in Ghana observing the recent elections, has issued an interim statement calling for peace as they await full results.
The Group’s interim statement was released on Wednesday.
It noted the voting exercise was held successfully, despite unprecedented circumstances posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Results are yet to be released by the Ghana Electoral Commission, but speaking on the release of the COG’s interim statement, its Chair, former President of East Africa Court of Justice, Dr. Emmanuel Ugirashebuja, said: “The electoral process is yet to be concluded and the greatest test of leadership is called for now.
“All parties must exercise patience and restraint while Ghanaians await the announcement of full results.
“We urge the Ghana Electoral Commission to continue to expedite the collation of all election results, with the transparency and professionalism which they demonstrated on election day.”
The COG interim statement commended all stakeholders in the electoral process for their commitment to democracy and peace – and the maturity of President Nana Akufo-Addo of the NPP and John Mahama of the NDC for signing a pact in which they reaffirmed their commitment to peace ahead of the elections.
The Group, deployed by the Commonwealth Secretary-General and Ugirashebuja, included eminent persons from across the Commonwealth, supported by a six-person team from the Secretariat.
While issuing the statement in a press Conference in Accra, the Chair noted that the Group was impressed by the professionalism, confidence and enthusiasm of polling officials, and that voting proceeded steadily with the assistance of biometric verification.
Some concerns and challenges were identified at some polling stations and they were promptly addressed by the officials.
The statement commended the transparent counting process at the polling stations and noted that officials adhered to prescribed procedures.
COVID-19 protocols, including mask-wearing, temperature checks and handwashing, were observed, with the assistance of dedicated COVID-19 ambassadors.