THE ROAD TO PEACE: ACCEPTING THE UNANIMOUSLY ELECTED LEADER

President Nana Akufo Addo

By Dora Addy

Ballot casting may be over, but the total general election procedure is never complete without the acceptance of the leader, mandated by the people to lead.

After the declaration of results in this year’s general elections, efforts still need to be made towards ensuring sustainable peace for all.

Having recognized the priceless value in the chosen leader, others with dissenting views ought to comply and uphold the rules of democracy and accept the results. This is the only way to peace. It is the best way of growing in our democracy and nearing towards more acceptable global standards in human freedom and development.

Still we continue to shine as a beacon of hope on the African continent- by God’s grace, and also the undying efforts of some well-meaning persons to understand that peace must reign at all costs and by all means, and so whatever the case be, that is irrespective of differing opinions they may hold on the final results.

We have again shown the world that we have indeed come of age, regarding the much tense atmosphere the intense political campaigning has provided, and even precursors of campaign violence and tension in the media airwaves, that were thought to be predictive of upcoming violence, meant to destroy our long-standing peaceful political setting.

Not to revoke the assertion that people would not need to question the authenticity of results, or even peacefully advertise their objections where they feel the need to do so.

Even on the political platforms during campaigns, it looked like some politicians did not care much what became of the hard-earned peace. This was reflected through their often-untamed speech and propaganda, sometimes appearing very churlish and childish too, but all aimed towards garnering the much-needed votes to press forward in the next selection of the ruling government.

Some harm has been done, even lives lost during the brief but tense periods of campaigning. But still, the tension cannot linger into this stage of accepting the deserving winner as announced by the Electoral Commission.

In determining the peace  and all-round development of this country once more even after declaration of results, the responsibility rests upon both sides of the coin; both the rulers and the ruled ought to come to the understanding that keeping the peace involves another set of responsibility. Owing to this, both sides should willfully come to understand and accept their important roles towards keeping the peace.

Former President Mahama

People must come to understand that accepting a new leader in this year’s elections would require support to continue to thrive in our democracy, while it is equally important to engage in constructive criticism.

As citizens we are enjoined to refrain from acts, which would not serve the purposes of peace and development, but rather, to call to remembrance those duties that lie before us and permits us to show love for our country.

WE THE MASSES

Article 41 of the 1992 Constitution states that ‘ The exercise and enjoyment of rights and freedoms is inseparable from the performance of duties and obligations, and accordingly, it shall be the duty of every citizen-

(a)  To promote the prestige and good name of Ghana and respect the symbols of the nation;

(c) To foster national unity and live in harmony with others;

                  And

(d) To respect the rights, freedoms and legitimate interests of others, and generally to refrain from doing acts detrimental to the welfare of other persons

To be encouraged to participate in these duties as citizens of the land comes as no cheap cost. It takes determination of the masses to walk in appropriateness. In achieving the singular purpose of peace especially at declaration of winners in this year’s general elections, the masses must strongly understand the place and value of respect. Respect of results, respect for those constituted mandated to handle the election process.

Respect should be given to those persons who have been declared winners, in spite of grievances others may feel towards them. Now that they have earned their stripes by dint of hard work, these persons must be allowed to work. They must be supported to give the best of themselves through the respect given them by the masses. It would be quite difficult when winners do not feel the love of the masses.

The masses must whole-heartedly devote themselves to cooperate with the winners at those levels where such cooperation is desired. Cooperation is needed for the work relationship between the rulers and the ruled to remain open. Cooperation is the only tool for realizing what needs should be met, and the right methods to be applied when embarking on development. The masses must continue to commit themselves towards the realization of achieving a meaningful relationship with their rulers; a strong willingness to help with the development process wherever they find themselves, irrespective of whether they identify with the ruling party or not.

The masses again in accepting the leadership of winners, should understand the diverse nature of democracy; that it is never static, but always applying itself to new ideas of development and change. As many people would have it, the winning group must always be reflected in the same choice. But this is wrong, because so long as democracy is allowed to lead our political efforts, then this system will always show itself in many ways that would sometimes create surprises for many who look to win all the time. A good understanding of how democracy works can calm hearts and allow others to thrive because certainly there will be another time when dissenters can also win.

Democracy also means allowing those legal institutions to work in the heat of misunderstandings. The need to resort to the courts for peaceful settlement of elections disputes would always rest with the courts and the masses’ trust in these systems to deliver a fair ruling during such incidences.

THE ROLES OF THE WINNERS

Winners have more difficult roles ahead than many do imagine.  Currently, many who have attempted to run for political power have been transformed somehow; in a way, many have gained new experiences in politics. Although they many not have used the right means in winning those slots by deceptive means and other irregular ways, they nonetheless now understand the many difficult levels one has to go through; the excruciating channels to be used, in winning the hearts of people.

They have now come to understand the importance of visiting one’s constituency, and contributing in every way possible during the off-season, because they have learned from others who flouted the laws of accountability and jumped their roles of providing a meaningful life for their locals.

Now, having a good understanding that the masses determine the very position of political leaders, this shows their level in society is of no small mean.

Winners, when chosen should respect the electorate and not dishonor them. They should uphold the value of the masses no matter their background. There are still many politicians today, who only see the masses, simply as tools that would get them into power. Some politicians do not respect the masses, the people who have voted them into power, and neglect whatever social needs the locals may have.

Those who win should respect what has been given them by staying committed to their promises. There are many false and exaggerated promises made to the masses today, and while a few of them can be achieved, the bulk of those promises are only deceptive. But, as winners have still been chosen to lead in their various capacities, they must strive to stay committed to the promises made and achieve them the best way they can. Through commitment, Members of Parliaments (MPs) must represent their people well in parliament and speak well for them. They ought to make the difficult effort of ensuring that their locals are heard in parliament and their needs are well addressed. In this way, such politicians are bound to receive the honor of their locals.

When elected, winners must respect the masses enough to remain accountable. Probity is the best way to keep the good relationship going, and this is achieved through accountability. How many politicians today can respect their locals enough to want to answer tough questions put before them?

As they have been chosen for public office, development should be the heartbeat of politicians. Accepting a leader always means that the masses are expecting something from such leaders. The easiest way of ensuring the round of victory is to be faithful in embarking on the planned development project as mentioned on those political platforms.

Now, it is time to work, and the new government must be supported. This is not the time to  play possum, and still rally in celebrations.

What has been lost should be retrieved, through hard work and efforts. Development must continue. Ghana must live again.