by Joseph Ackah-Blay
The Electoral Commission says it is ready to ensure that this year's election is credible.
Speaking at the launch of 2016 Peaceful Election stamps by Ghana Post, Deputy Electoral Commissioner, Amadu Sulley said credible elections were crucial in ensuring peace before and after the elections.
Mr Sulley said the Commission has so far adhered to guiding principles of Electoral practices to ensure that the polls are credible.
He cited the commission's amendment of the Constitutional Instrument used in the 2012 election following some recommendations by the Supreme Court as well as regular Inter-Party Advisory Committee (IPAC) meetings as instances of the Commission's effort to ensure a credible election.
On the Constitutional Instrument, Mr Sulley said the extension of training period for Electoral officers as well as making the voters register available 21 days before the elections are some of the changes made by the Commission.
In response to how well IPAC has contributed to the Commission's activities, Mr Sulley said the Commission has decided to organize frequent meetings on monthly basis to ensure that the key actors are always in the know and are able to make contributions to the electoral process.
He described IPAC as a crucial body that can take credit for a good number of the reforms that have taken place in the Electoral history of the country.
The Deputy chair said the Commission will in the coming days announce dates on which electorates who wish to transfer their votes can do so.
Managing Director of Ghana Post, Eric Yao said since electoral violence is likely to affect the operations of postal services and other developmental projects, it was important that all citizens get on board and ensure peaceful elections.
"We in Ghana cannot afford to sit unconcerned as people make unguarded statements which could incite violence.
These are the same things that took place in countries like Rwanda, Liberia and Sierra Leone, where people did not speak out against those who incite violence.
"These three countries were every active part of the postal fraternity and yet they were cut off from communication through the post as a result of the conflict that arose in their countries," Mr Yao said.
He also said contrary to rumors that Ghana post was dead the agency was operational and will be rolling out other activities later.
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