Accra Dec. 30, GNA - The Christian Council of Ghana (CCG) on Tuesday appealed to the National Democratic Congress (NDC), New Patriotic Party (NPP), the media and individuals to refrain from holding press conferences or making utterances suggesting the declaration of election results.

"We should all exercise maximum restraint without putting undue pressure on the Electoral Commission and allow them to do a thorough job considering the investment that has gone into the elections." A statement signed by Reverend Dr Fred Deegbe, General Secretary, CCG, in Accra reminded all that, it was the Electoral Commission that had the constitutional mandate to certify, authenticate and declare election results.

Congratulating Ghanaians for the just ended presidential run-off, the CCG noted there had been mixed feelings about the conduct of both parties, which nearly marred the beauty of the country's democracy and the hard won reputation across the world, especially Africa. According to the statement there were reported cases of serious incidents at some of the polling stations which, but for the timely intervention of the security agencies and prayers, would have plunged the country into chaos.

"On that score, the two parties failed the nation in their bid to win power, relegating the interests of the nation to the background as well as taking the whole nation to ransom," the statement said. "Based on our observation and taking into consideration the few infractions that took place, the Christian Council of Ghana considers the election as free, fair, transparent, peaceful and credible," the statement added.