By Prince Nornorme, GNA
Golokuati (V/R), Oct. 23, GNA -The Golokuati District Police Command has issued a security advisory to all aspirants and delegates ahead of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Afadzato South Constituency elections scheduled for Saturday.
The advisory, signed by the District Police Commander, ASP Mr Godfred Wiredu, urged all stakeholders to uphold peace, discipline, tolerance and mutual respect throughout the electoral process.
It said particular attention must be given to the security situation in Afadzato South, noting that concerns regarding the constituency’s potential as an electoral flashpoint must serve as a serious reminder of collective responsibility to prevent violence, protect lives and property, and safeguard the image of the constituency.
The statement said while competition for leadership positions was a legitimate part of the democratic process, such competition must never come at the expense of peace, unity and the safety of the people.
It outlined eight security guidelines for aspirants and delegates to observe, including maintaining peace and order and avoiding provocation, inflammatory statements, threats, intimidation, insults and physical confrontations likely to disturb the peace before, during and after the elections.
It also called on all parties to cooperate fully with the Police and other authorised security agencies, and to promptly report suspicious activities, threats or potential security breaches through appropriate channels.
The advisory said, every delegate must be allowed to exercise their voting rights freely without threats, coercion, intimidation or undue influence, and all aspirants and their supporters must respect the choices of delegates.
It further warned against violence and unauthorised conduct, stating that no aspirant, delegate or supporter should engage in physical attacks, intimidation, damage to property, or any activity capable of escalating tensions.
The police said any disagreement concerning accreditation, voting, counting or declaration of results must be addressed through established party procedures and lawful channels, and no individual or group should take the law into their own hands.
The statement also advised aspirants and delegates to refrain from spreading rumours and provocative messages, urging them to verify information before sharing and to avoid circulating unconfirmed allegations, insults, fabricated reports or inflammatory messages on social media.
It further urged stakeholders to exercise restraint after the declaration of results and remain calm regardless of the outcome, avoiding retaliatory actions, provocative celebrations, verbal attacks or destruction of property.
The advisory emphasised the need to protect lives and property, noting that stakeholders must remain conscious of the safety of fellow party members, election officials, security personnel and members of the public.
“Let us remember that political positions are temporary, but human lives, relationships, and the reputation of our constituency are precious and enduring. No elective position is worth a single life, an act of violence, or the destruction of property,” ASP Wiredu stated.
It added: “Our collective responsibility is clear: protect lives, preserve peace, and redeem the image of Afadzato South. Let peace prevail before, during, and after the elections.”
GNA
Edited by Maxwell Awumah/ Christabel Addo