PEACEFUL POLLS, SHARED RESPONSIBILITY (NOV 3, 2008)

THE assurance by the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mr Patrick Kwarteng Acheampong, that security personnel who will be deployed to polling stations on December 7, 2008 will discharge their duties with honesty and integrity can be described as a soothing balm in the wake of rising tension in some communities during the run-up to the polls.
Some political parties have expressed apprehension about the readiness of the security agencies, particularly the Ghana Police Service, to keep watch over the polls in an impartial manner. According to these politicians, the police cannot be relied upon to perform their duties independently of external forces, especially the central government.
To some political players, the integrity of the polls can only be safeguarded through external vigilance, hence they have decided to train and equip polling agents with the skills to expose any attempts to rig the elections.
The Daily Graphic commends efforts by all the stakeholders - the Electoral Commission (EC), the political parties, the electorate, the security agencies and the media - to work towards peaceful, free, fair and credible elections.
It appears that the security agencies have recognised the seeming lack of confidence in their personnel, hence their decision to embark upon programmes that would help build public confidence in them to ward off unscrupulous people who will try to compromise the integrity of the December polls.
Furthermore, the decision by the security agencies to harmonise their operations and engage in mock exercises in preparation for the polls, is meant to prepare the minds of the public about the high presence of security personnel on election day.
Our security personnel have excelled in all their international assignments, especially those who participate in peacekeeping operations. Reports from international organisations indicate that Ghanaians who participate in peacekeeping operations are being sought after for international appointments.
For their exemplary performance on the international scene, our security personnel should accept our admonition that they should not give in to the perception that they cannot exercise their independent judgement and professionalism at home.
The December polls offer the platform for them to redeem their image by accepting the challenge imposed on them by the IGP to be “punctual and alert, treat everyone fairly, be open and honest, be team players, use minimum force when necessary, provide responsible, effective and high quality service” on election day.
The Daily Graphic believes the security agencies have the capacity to rise to the occasion on the election day, by warding off elements who would want to foment trouble. They acquitted themselves creditably during the past four elections, even if a few bad lots nearly dragged their name in the mud.
The international community is keenly watching us and we cannot afford to fail by our inaction or action. Ghana has become the reference point for peace, good governance and respect for civil liberties. We need to guard these enviable credentials by collectively ensuring peaceful, free and fair elections.
The calls on the security agencies to avoid any selective enforcement of the law during the run-up to the polls in order to tame the culture of impunity that is gaining root in a section of the society. Members of the public must also co-operate with the security agencies to expose the bad lots, since the maintenance of law and order is a shared responsibility.