Former Nigerian President, Goodluck Jonathan, has called on Ghanaians to ensure a peaceful and transparent electoral process as the country prepares for its upcoming elections.
He emphasized that the success of any election relies on the commitment of citizens, electoral authorities, and security agencies to maintain integrity throughout the process.
Speaking at the Third Strategy Forum of the West African Elders Forum (WAEF) in Accra, Mr. Jonathan highlighted the importance of trust and transparency during elections.
He noted that poorly managed elections are often the source of conflict in many African countries.
As Chairman of WAEF, Mr. Jonathan urged all Ghanaians to actively participate in safeguarding the integrity of the elections.
“For elections to be successful, all citizens must be committed to a fair and credible process. Everyone must be ready to do what is right,” he stated.
He underscored the critical roles of two key institutions—the Electoral Commission and security agencies— in ensuring credible elections.
He called on both entities to act in a transparent manner to build public trust, warning that a lack of confidence in the electoral system can lead to instability.
Sharing insights from his discussions with stakeholders, Mr. Jonathan revealed that the WAEF delegation had engaged with the Electoral Commission, security officials, and political candidates.
The forum had already met with candidates from both the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC), with plans to meet more candidates before the elections.
While acknowledging that no election is perfect, even in advanced democracies, Mr. Jonathan expressed confidence in Ghana’s preparations for the elections.
“We have seen a genuine commitment to resolve issues, and we are hopeful that the elections will be well conducted,” he said.
He urged the Electoral Commission and security agencies to work in ways that foster public trust.
“When you conduct elections transparently, and people see that you are doing the right thing, even if a candidate loses, they will be able to accept the outcome,” he explained.
He cautioned, however, that if the process is seen as flawed, it becomes difficult for the public and candidates to accept the results peacefully.
Mr. Jonathan also encouraged West African leaders to strengthen democracy and address the rising instability in the region.
He reiterated that WAEF would remain engaged in Ghana throughout the election period, offering support and monitoring the process.
Former Liberian President, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, who also spoke at the event, advised Ghanaians to prioritize peace and stability during the elections.
She acknowledged that elections often bring challenges, but emphasized the importance of maintaining peace to ensure Ghana’s continued progress and sustainable development.
She commended Ghana as a model of stability in Africa, noting that the country’s development has become an example for the world to follow.
