Accra, April 9, GNA - The People's National Convention (PNC) on Wednesday called for political tolerance and exhibition of high sense of maturity from all political leaders as the nation warms up for Election 2008.

Dr Edward N. Mahama, PNC flag bearer who made the call, emphasised the urgent need to reduce intra and inter party antagonism, provocation and attacks.

In an interview with the Ghana News Agency after speaking at a function of the Political Science Students Association (POSSA) of the University of Ghana, he explained that on the issue of political tolerance the PNC stood out among the lot as the most affable, politically mature with an unblemished reputation.

He appealed to mostly leaders of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the main opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) to reduce intra and inter party antagonism, bickering and any negative tendencies that had the potential of derailing the nation's quest to deepen democracy.

Speaking on: "Political Tolerance; An Ideal Recipe for Consolidating Ghana's Democracy," Dr. Mahama said the party had played a diplomatic role since the 1992 elections.

He noted that his character, tenacity and relationship with all leading members of other political parties had contributed to the calming of nerves after all the major elections when the grounds were fertile for conflicts.

"After the declaration of the results of the 2000 Elections, there were political uncertainties. I quickly conceded defeat and declared my support for then candidate John Agyekum Kufuor and appealed to all my supporters to vote for the NPP candidate in the presidential run-off.

"I believe that timely act, settled matters and cleared the way for the run-off. I had also suffered electoral injustice over the years but as a politically mature person, I accepted the explanation by the Electoral Commission to allow the state machinery to move forward." He therefore appealed to other leaders to be circumspect in deed and speech to ensure that the nation remained united after the elections.

Dr Emmanuel Akwetey, Executive Director of Institute for Democratic Governance (IDEG), said the development in Kenya and Zimbabwe should guide the nation's politicians and political stakeholders as they embarked on their campaign.

Other speakers at the POSSA symposium included Mr Kwabena Bomfey, National Youth Organiser of the Convention People's Party, Mr. Kwabena Agyepong former Presidential Press Secretary and Dr Kwesi Jonah, a Political Science lecturer and Senior Research Fellow of IDEG.