POLITICAL PARTIES, LEAD BY EXAMPLE

THE Electoral Commission (EC) is reported to be in a fix as to what to do with political parties that have been issued with certificates of registration but fail to operate in accordance with the law.
Understandably, the EC is worried about the lack of seriousness that has characterised the operations of some of these political parties, to the extent that some paint the houses of some individuals in party colours and present them as national headquarters or regional, district and constituency offices.
Indeed, that level of triviality and unprofessionalism can really be that irksome and the EC’s sentiments are not without basis.
The DAILY GRAPHIC wishes to associate itself with the concerns raised by the EC and stimulate the necessary discussion to address the issue.
Some have argued that in the political realm there is a battle for survival and so the lack of adequate funding and infrastructure is not a critical issue that should be used to nail political parties.
Yet the issue of operating to meet set standards is one that goes beyond such unguarded justification. Political parties are prominent organisations of immense public interest, which, in more ways than one, try to seek the mandate of the people to govern.
Any institution that seeks to govern the people must not only show great organisational aptitude but also display a high level of resourcefulness. Anything short of that will be a serious affront to the very aspirations and ideals of that party.
Political parties must respect the country’s laws and institutions so that if the people give any of them the mandate to govern, it will be able to uphold the constitutional order.
The Daily Graphic knows that Ghanaians have become more discerning in recent times and, therefore, the electorate will reject political parties that disregard the laws of the land. After all, example is better than precept.
Consequently, we wish to implore the EC to apply the rules to the letter and make politics unsavoury for self-seekers and opportunists who have virtually nothing to offer the masses but end up playing on their emotions.
While we challenge the EC to apply the laws to the letter, we also wish to admonish other state agencies and institutions that are responsible for regulating the activities of individuals and organisations, to be focused on enforcing laws and regulations.
Time and again, many people have found reason to lament the fact that some of our laws are flagrantly abused and no one seems to be bothered.
Assembly bye-laws on sanitation and hawking are flouted with impunity. There are uncontrolled levels of noise in residential areas and traffic laws are ignored.
The DAILY GRAPHIC also wishes to draw the attention of the citizenry to these regulations and the need to observe them. These regulations have been put in place to ensure that there is orderliness in our society and so disrespecting them can lead to a state of nature and confusion.
That is why the laws must work!