Don't declare yourselves winners of the december 7th, 2008 presidential and parliamentary elections in ghana

The Executive Director of the Africa Peace Building Club, NGO Mr SALAM RAMANI has adviced and sound a warning to all candidates contesting both the presidential and parliamentary elections in the 7th December, 2008 elections not to declare themselves winners of the elections, he said it is only the independent electoral commission that have the mandate and it is their responsibility to declare a candidate as a winner.

Mr Salam Ramani said it is an offence to declare candidates in elections winners before the electoral commission comes out, since it could spark off voilence and conflicts, these acts are some of the causes of conflicts in Africa, and it draws back the developmental progress and undermine our democratic pratice. he added.

Candidates can also celebrate victory only after the electoral commission have announse the result and they are winners, thay should also celebrate in a peaceful and respectful manner so as not to give nagetive meanings of their celebrations to the opposition or lossers.

Democracy is the only means to good governance and development of our continent and the world as a whole, for that matter, i want to use this opportunity to appeal to all candidates to abide by the constitution of Ghana and lets us all work together and protect the rights and security of all.

I wish you all good luck and peace during your campaigns,

Thank you.

Sincerely,

SALAM RAMANI
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
AFRICA PEACE BUILDING CLUB -NGO