Political parties asked to abide by code of conduct
The Greater Accra Regional Inter-Party Dialogue Committee, has called on all political parties to abide by the code of conduct for political parties, to ensure free, fair and non-violent election in December.
This was disclosed to the Ghana News Agency (GNA) in Accra at the weekend, by Mr Prosper Largble, Deputy Greater Accra Regional Director of National Commission for Civic Education, after the second Greater Accra Regional Inter-party dialogue meeting in Accra at the weekend.
The meeting discussed the political parties’ code of conduct, and reviewed the just ended nationwide biometric registration exercise, and the way forward.
Mr Lagble said Ghana needed a credible and independent umpire, and a level playing field, to ensure free and fair elections.
He said that issues raised in the code concerned democratic imperatives, campaigning, out of campaigning activities, elections, activities after declaration of results, and enforcement and implementation of the code.
Mr Largble said political parties and their candidates were asked to abide and observe all rules and regulations relating to the elections.
He said they were also reminded of their right to convey their views to the electorate without hindrance, and equal access to state owned media.
Mr Largble said that political parties were advised to educate their followers to desist from defamatory, inflammatory and foul language, and avoid attacks on their political opponents.
He said: “They were advised also to educate their agents/party workers and followers not to obstruct, disrupt, or break-up meeting or rallies, destroy, remove, temper with paraphernalia, logos, symbols and handbills of political opponents.”
Mr Largble said members of political parties were advised not to carry arms and other offensive weapons to rallies and other major public events, and to adhere strictly to the public order Act (Act 491) of 1994, by informing the police in writing at least five days before the organization of any public event.
He said “They were urged not to taunt, insult and humiliate opponents when they are defeated at elections, and celebrate victory with decorum.”
Source: GNA