The National Democratic Congress (NDC) flagbearer, John Mahama Dramani, has urged calm and non-violence as the party embarks on nationwide protests today over the Electoral Commission’s (EC) management of voter register discrepancies.
Ahead of the demonstrations, Mahama stressed that the protest is intended to be peaceful, calling on participants to refrain from violence.
“This is a peaceful demonstration. It is not a violent demonstration. It is a peaceful demonstration. And so if you know you cannot be peaceful, don’t come.
“We want only the people of peace to join us,” the NDC flagbearer said, underscoring the party’s commitment to ensuring order throughout the protest.
The NDC’s concerns stem from what they allege are serious flaws in the voter register, discovered during a recent exhibition exercise. Although the party has demanded a forensic audit of the register, the EC has declined to undertake one, prompting the NDC to mobilize protests across the country.
Protesters will march to the EC offices in all 16 regional capitals, while party leaders will present petitions at the EC headquarters and Parliament in Accra.
During his address, Mahama urged protestors to cooperate with the police and avoid any confrontations. “The police are here to protect us; they are our friends. We have no reason to attack them,” he noted, urging demonstrators to go home peacefully after delivering the petitions.
The NDC hopes this demonstration will lead to electoral reforms ahead of the elections, with thousands expected to participate nationwide in defense of what they see as the integrity of the electoral process.