President John Mahama is calling on political party leaders and other stakeholders to lead by example as the country inches close to its sixth election in the fourth republic.

In a peace message to Ghanaians, the president said there was no reason why the December 7 elections should not be peaceful like the ones.

Whilst acknowledging that the 2012 electioneering campaign has been generally peaceful, he expressed worry at some reports of violence in parts of the country.

He said the security agencies were working hard to deal with the situation.

“I call on all of us stakeholders in this election to lead by example to show our followers that we are all committed to a free, fair and transparent election.

“I am sure that with God’s favour we should be able to come out of this election smiling and proud that we continue to be the beacon of democracy on the African continent.

“Let us allow our people to exercise their franchise freely and let the ballot speak.

"At the end of this exercise one person will emerge the leader and let us all rally around and support that person for the onward movement of Ghana," the president said.