By Yaw Ansah, GNA
Accra, Sept. 15, GNA – Professor Attahiru
Jega, a former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission of
Nigeria, has advised politicians not to perceive political election as ‘do or
die’ affair but a healthy competition.
This change of mind set about elections, he
said would prevent electoral violence, maintain peace and facilitate
development on the continent.
Prof Jega gave the advice in an interview
with the Ghana News Agency at the end of his three-day mission in Ghana to
share with the Electoral Commission (EC) his experience in best election
management practices.
“When political violence occur during
elections, it adversely affects innocent citizens most especially women and
children. Many die while valuable properties are destroyed and for this reason
and many more elections must not be a do or die thing,” he explained.
“Contesting to be elected into a public
office means one wants to serve selfless. It is not an avenue to invest to make
a profit as was happening in many African countries.”
Touching on his mission over the three-day
period, Prof Jega said together the officials of Ghana’s EC, they would be
discussing issues on the preparations and the conduct of 2020 presidential and
parliamentary elections.
While describing the mission as successful,
Prof Jega said a considerable amount of time was devoted to sharing and
deliberating on lessons, pitfalls, how to establish a very good biometric
register that is transparent, upgradable, that rely on appropriate use of
technology.
Prof Jaga commended Ghana’s EC for it
commitment towards conducting electoral process with integrity and urged all
stakeholders especially political parties and the citizenry to support the
Commission.
“Yes the EC has a constitutional mandate to
conduct elections but stakeholders must not sit aloof but work together with
them in sincerity and selflessly to succeed. The election management body
cannot operate like an island, they need everyone on board. This has worked
well for Nigeria and it will work here too,” he said.
Just as Ghana was doing, he said Nigeria at
the beginning, had some experience that aided them to establish a biometric
system that was highly recognised in Africa.
“Despite sharing my experience I have also
learnt a lot about Ghana’s system of elections and preparations towards
elections 2020,” he added.
Prof Jaga has experience in election
management and has supervise two general elections in 2011 and 2015 in Africa’s
most populous country, which was widely accepted by stakeholders.
His visit was at the invitation of Ghana’s
EC and formed part of efforts to broaden its scope, knowledge and learn best
practices, both locally and internationally.
Mrs Jean Mensa, Chairperson of EC,
reiterated that the EC was committed to provide transparent, inclusive and
credible elections and would work hard to make that vision happen.
She said the Commission would continue to
uphold the rule of law and create a level playing field for all the political
parties.
GNA
