Akwatia (ER), Jan. 10, GNA- Former President Jerry John Rawlings has called on members of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) to be extra vigilant during the December general elections to prevent the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) from rigging the elections.

He alleged that the NPP rigged the 2004 Presidential and Parliamentary elections and were out to repeat that this year and they should not be allowed to do so this time round.

"What happened in Kenya should not be allowed to happen in Ghana", he said.

Former President Rawlings made the call at the 26th end of year cadres' forum of Progressive Voluntary Organizations, a wing of the NDC at Akwatia on Wednesday, attended by delegates from the three districts of the Eastern Region; namely Kwaebibirem, Birim South and West Akyem. The theme of the forum was; "Strategy for winning 2008 elections." He said the NDC would win the upcoming elections if it was free and fair but victory would not be earned on "silver platter" so members should work hard to make that happen.

He called for unity among the rank and file of the party so that the NPP does not take advantage of "our internal weaknesses."

The founder of the NDC alleged that those in power have "stolen a lot of money..

"If they are washed ten times a day for 100 years, they will not be clean."

He asked party members to do away with divisions based on tribe and religion or place of origin.

He asked the NDC in the Akwatia Constituency to choose a candidate who could win the elections for the party.