General News of Saturday, 6 December 2008

Source: GNA

NDC calls for vigilance

Accra, Dec. 6, GNA - The main opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), on eve the of the December 7 Presidential and Parliamentary polls, has called for national vigilance and peace on Election Day and after and urged its supporters to remain calm as, victory is assured.

"Go out and cast your vote and encourage others to vote. your massive vote would give us once more victory to govern with human centred policies," the NDC said.

In a statement signed by Mr. Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, NDC General Secretary, the party directed its regional, constituency and party agents at all levels to strictly comply with all electoral laws. "Be on the look-out for impostors who would make an attempt to distribute, wear or display NDC paraphernalia and report swiftly to the security agencies for necessary action," the statement stated. The party commended the efforts of various Election Observer Groups, Civil Society Organisations and opinion leaders for their contribution towards a peaceful, free, transparent and credible election on Sunday.

The NDC pledged the commitment of its Presidential Candidate, Professor John Evans Atta Mills, National Executive Committee members, regional and constituency executives as well as the rank and file of the party to ensuring Sunday's elections are conducted in a peaceful and civilised atmosphere.

The NDC debunked the notion that it intended to cause mayhem during Sunday's polls, and completely dissociated itself from such claims whether from individuals or groups.

"Since the Party kick-started its campaign led by Prof. Mills, affectionately called 'Asomdwehene' (man of peace), it has conducted its affairs in a peaceful manner," the statement said. It said it was unthinkable for anyone to consider that a Party that had conducted its activities in a peaceful manner and was at the threshold of winning an election would plan mayhem.

"The Party's insistence is that the election be free and fair, and free from fear," the statement said, adding that, in the unlikely event where the NDC did not win, it would concede defeat as it did in the 2000 Election.

It gave the assurance that the Party would continue to remain calm, as it had done under the past and current provocations and threats in almost all the constituencies.