Accra Dec. 8, GNA - The Institute for Democratic Governance (IDEG) and Civic Forum Initiative (CFI) on Monday expressed concern about competing pronouncements and claims being made by some political parties even before election results were released. In a joint statement in Accra, IDEG and CFI described the language being used by some of those political parties as threatening and incendiary, noting that they were raising unnecessary tension, which could run counter to Ghana's democratic ethos.

IDEG and CFI said reports from across the country showed clearly that Ghanaians turned out in huge numbers and waited in queues in the sun to vote pointing out that by their conduct "the people have affirmed their commitment to peaceful and credible elections and have determined who will govern them for the next four years." The statement therefore called on all political leaders and their supporters to respect the voice of the people, the electoral process and allow them to produce legitimate results.

"We appeal to all concerned, particularly the government, institutions of state, the Electoral Commission, the Political parties and the media to avoid all acts that may disturb the peace and stability of the country. The people have spoken and their verdict should be final," the statement said.