Intolerance characterises 2016 elections – Traditional rulers

Traditional rulers in the Upper West Region has asked political stakeholders to be more concerned about the growing level of intolerance, insecurity and negative perception regarding violence and conflicts in the run up to the 2016 general elections.

Naa Dr. Puoure Puobe Chiir, President of the Upper West Regional House of Chiefs, in a communiqué after a “Stakeholders for peace forum”, said political players must know that their prime concern in this electioneering year must be “what can be done to avert violence during, before and after the elections”.

They must therefore stop making unguarded statements on radio and television as well as other platforms from now till the day of the elections to help secure peace for the country.

The House pledged to work with government, Regional Peace Council and security agencies, the Electoral Commission and National Commission on Civic Education, to ensure that law and order prevailed in the Region before, during and after the elections.

Naa Puobe Chiir who is also the Paramount Chief of the Nandom Traditional Area, appealed to religious bodies to join forces to advocate for peace in the Region by offering prayers, preaching peace among their congregants, and consider organising football matches among the various political party supporters to promote peace.

The House cautioned programme moderators on radio stations and panelists as well as serial callers to avoid making unguarded statements on air, since that could spark tension in the Region.

Naa Puobe Chiir urged political parties to mobilise and educate their party members on violence free elections campaigns and procedures while encouraging them to desist from inciting the youth to act violently on elections day.

Source: GNA