Ghana, according to the Progressive People?s Party (PPP) from all indications is gradually sliding back to the dark days of a ?One-Party State.?
?We must fight the elected dictatorship, winner-takes-all elements in our 1992 Constitution,? the party?s National Secretary, Kofi Asamoah-Siaw echoed in a press release copied to Today yesterday.
The PPP which hasn?t hidden its utmost disgust at developments surrounding the 2012 Presidential and Parliamentary elections catalogued a list of infractions they contend pooh pooh?s Ghana?s democratic and socio-economic gains.
The statement signed by its National Secretary, Kofi Asamoah-Siaw made mention of ?ample evidence that the 2012 Presidential and Parliamentary election process and results compilation were fraught with vote buying, intimidation, manipulation of votes and abuse of incumbency.?
?The process leading up to the elections was not free and fair. The mentality to ?win at all cost? manifested itself in many ways to the detriment of those who were interested in playing by the rules,? the PPP disclosed stressing that Civil Society Organizations including the media also contributed to the uneven playing field as they focused attention on the two major political parties.
This, according to the statement, is against the multi-party democratic principle enshrined in the 1992 Constitution.
The PPP Scribe attested to the fact that the ?charade of peace, instilled fear in the public that a second round election will disturb the peace and worked against the exercise of the full rights of democratic choice.?
This disturbing phenomenon, Kofi Asamoah-Siaw recounted, relegated to the background any deeper discussion on the major challenges that confront this country and the fundamental changes required to reverse the quagmire in which we find ourselves.
?The PPP is of the firm belief that all the above have contributed to the current impasse where any of the major parties exploits the gaps in our electoral system to subvert the sovereign will of the people of Ghana,? the statement emphasised.
The PPP, which since inception and during the 2012 elections demonstrated its independence as well as presenting itself as a credible and viable political alternative to the status quo is calling on all ?progressive forces including the media, civil society organizations, the clergy and individuals to support the party?s call for urgent electoral reforms to save this country from becoming a One Party State.?
The party which has in the past few days been clamoring for electoral reforms is pushing for the Electoral Commission (EC) to become fully strengthened and independent.
The PPP also hopes the EC ?gains real integrity by its actions and not order making.?
?The NPP and the NDC have demonstrated a lack of commitment to ensuring credibility and integrity in our electoral system and have benefited from its weaknesses,? the PPP laments and adds further that the EC has been weakened to its core and which presents a serious threat to the future sustainability of the multi-party democracy.
Civil Society Organizations and in particular religious entities were urged to talk to real actors in the field and learn the reality of the situation in order to understand the danger the country faces.
?Ghana has the real potential to slide backwards. Ghanaians must open their eyes and be wide awake to the injustices perpetuated this election year. Peace goes hand in hand with justice. A stolen presidency cannot bring lasting stability into the future,? Kofi Asamoah-Siaw made known.
