By Issah Mohammed
Accra, Dec.09, GNA – The African Union Election Observation Mission (AUEOM) has lauded Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, Flagbearer, New Patriotic Party (NPP), for accepting the outcome of the election based on the party’s internal collation.
The Mission described the decision and act of conceding defeat prior to the official declaration of presidential results as a demonstration of statesmanship, making Ghana a beacon of democracy and home of Pan-Africanism.
“The AUEOM further commends Dr Bawumia for going further to congratulate President-Elect John Dramani Mahama for his election victory. Thank you, Ghana, for continuing to exhibit exemplary leadership for the region and the continent of Africa,” it said in a press statement issued on Monday.
Dr Bawumia on Saturday, flanked by party executives and his wife, Mrs Samira Bawumia, made a conciliatory remark, accepting defeat and thanking stakeholders for supporting his campaign.
He also promised to support the incoming government and not be disruptive to the governance of the country.
The AUEOM said it has observed that overall electoral process adhered to regional and international standards, reinforcing Ghana’s democratic credentials.
As part of its findings, the Mission noted that elections took place against the backdrop of heightened political polarisation.
Also, the Electoral Commission was seen to be transparent through timely communication and involvement of non-political actors in electoral engagement and decision making process.
It also noted the absence of a comprehensive legal framework to regulate campaign timeline and funding while acknowledging the existence of the Political Parties Law Act 574 of 2000.
The mission also highlighted limitations in the legal framework regarding the use of public resources, campaign regulations, and campaign financing.
“These gaps could lead to the misuse of state resources and the creation of an uneven playfield for the electoral process participants,” the statement highlighted.
The AUEOM has therefore among other things, recommended improvement in the security features of ballot papers to prevent duplication and counterfeiting; design civic education programmes to improve youth participation and political parties supporting candidates from underrepresented groups, particularly women, youth, and Persons With Disabilities (PWDs).
It also encouraged the government to develop a comprehensive campaign finance legislation to regulate political financing, limit the misuse of state resources, and ensure a level playing field.
The Mission was led by Mr Sahle-Work Zewde, former president of Ethiopia, and supported by Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, former Deputy President of South Africa.
It comprised of 60 short-term observers (STOs) and technical electoral experts drawn from 27 African countries.
Their deployment was preceded by the deployment of a Pre-election assessment Mission in Ghana from October 28 to November 2, 2024.
GNA