Flagbearer of the opposition National Democratic Congress(NDC), John Dramani Mahama, has stated he wants to clear all doubts surrounding the 7 December election hence his decision to head to the Supreme Court to challenge the results.
Mahama filed a petition on Wednesday in the apex court seeking for a re-run of the election, arguing the Electoral Commission failed to respect the rules of the Ghana.
“Some people have asked me what I hope to gain by challenging the results of this election, let me tell you, I want perhaps the very same thing my opponent wanted when in 2012 he challenged the results of that election. I want the removal of doubt,” Mahama said
“I want for all of us to know that our elections should be free, fair and safe and that we do not have to settle for a process that leaves us confused and with more questions than answers. I want a Ghana where institutions of state can be held to account where we stand on principle and demand transparency without the risk of losing our lives. When people lose their lives as seven people have done in the cause of our elections we’re moving backwards not forward,” he added.
“I’m here to assure you that I know what it’s to act in the interest of peace… I know what it’s to concede and I have done so before. In 2016 when the election was not called in my favour I conceded. I conceded not simply in the interest of peace and democracy, but because I respect the will of the people. I did then and I so do now. So, when I say that I’ll not concede this election please know that I’m not taking this decision lightly.
“Understand that it is not because of the desire for power but because of the dedication to principle and a commitment to democracy. Based on the irregular and inconsistent results that were reported I have reasons to believe this election was not free, fair or transparent. And without those fundamental pillars in place how can we be sure that the results announced truly represents the will of the people,” he stressed.