Accra, Aug. 26, GNA - Mr Laary Bimi, Chairman of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), on Thursday called on politicians to distance themselves from personal issues and rather direct their utterances on issues.

"Most electorate today prefer politicians to focus on issues that would improve their livelihood rather than using political platforms to antagonize opponents", he said.

Mr Bimi said this at a workshop organized by the NCCE to present a survey report on "Issues of concern to voters in Elections 2004". The survey sought to find out issues that were of paramount concern to the electorates particularly in an election year, provide critical areas for civil society advocacy and actions and inform NCCE of the impact of its educational campaign, towards Election 2004.

He called on the Media to concentrate on the issues rather than on political status of individuals.

Dr Grace Badiako, Government Statistician, who chaired the workshop, said politicians must be asked to direct attention to issues. Dr Badiako expressed the hope that the findings of the survey would influence and strengthen the thinking and motivate those who had been engaged in issue-oriented debate.

She said those, who designed and conducted the survey, had made an important contribution to the democratic process.

Mrs. Badiako described the survey as "politicians link to voters", which should be the "holy book" of political parties to ensure a violent free elections.