Accra, Aug. 22, GNA - Former President Rawlings has advised Ghanaians to be vigilant during this year's presidential and parliamentary elections.

He has also called on the National Electoral Commission to conduct the election in a manner devoid of controversy. A statement issued in Accra on Thursday by Mr Kofi Adams, Deputy National Youth Organiser, said the former president was speaking at a mammoth rally the NDC organized at Dormaa Ahenkro as part of a two-day tour of the Brong Ahafo Region.

It said the former president wondered why the Electoral Commission, which had a history of conducting free and fair elections in 1996 and 2000, had suddenly lost track of its efficiency.

On security during the elections he cautioned the police and military to appreciate that their uniform required them to be fair and just to all citizens, irrespective of their political inclinations. He advised them to stop obeying unlawful orders from people just wanted to use them to achieve their parochial interests, adding, "to the men and women who have kept the dignity of the service, ayekoo." The statement said former President Rawlings' visit, which was a fact finding one following the recent limited voter registration exercise, turned into a full blown political campaign.

Constituencies visited during the tour included Asunafo South, Asutifi North, Dormaa East, Dormaa West, Sunyani and Berekum. Those who were in the former president's delegation included Collins Dauda, MP for Asutifi South, Nii Laryea Afortey-Agbo, MP for Kpone Katamanso and Eric Opoku, MP for Asunafo South. 22 Aug. 08