Accra, Aug 2, GNA - The National Democratic Congress (NDC) on Monday sent a congratulatory message to Mr John Kerry for being endorsed as the Presidential Candidate of the Democratic Party for the US Elections in November.

The message said Mr John Kerry and his running mate Mr John Edwards have "set the stage for a healthy contest on challenges facing the American people".

Mr John Mahama, NDC Communication Director, in a signed message said, "the United States is about the most influential nation in the world today. People all around the world are, therefore, following the elections with keen interest". He said it was hopeful that: "The US elections of 2004 would be conducted with civility and devoid of controversy that almost marred the previous election of 2000."

Mr Mahama expressed the hope that fortuitous coincidence whereby the US elections were always held just a month prior to the elections in Ghana would have a favourable impact on the conduct of the Ghanaian elections.