Kumasi, Jan. 8, GNA - Ghanaians have been called upon to respect and co-operate with the Electoral Commission (EC) in the execution of its constitutional duties.

Mr Patrick Agyemang Peprah, chairman of the Atonsu Monaco branch of the Young Elephants Movement, the youth wing of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), said since the EC was properly constituted and empowered by the constitution to perform its functions, it was independent.

This therefore, means that the EC does not take instructions or derive its authority from the government and can therefore not be influenced by the government in its decisions or operations, he said. Mr Peprah was speaking at the end-of-year get-together of the movement in Kumasi on Sunday. The occasion was also used to evaluate the party's performance and to draw up plans and strategies for the campaign for this year's elections.

He regretted that in spite of the independence of the Commission, some political parties still found excuses to attack it in the pursuance of its mandated constitutional duties.

Mr Kingsley Ntiamoah, secretary of the movement, urged the members to intensify their efforts at canvassing for more support and votes for the NPP.

He cautioned them not to shun their opponents but dialogue with them and welcome those who will like to defect to the NPP. He asked them to educate the electorate on the need to register when the electoral register is re-opened.