The Deputy Secretary of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Mustapha Gbande has criticized the state institutions and their roles in ensuring a free and fair election following the NDC’s refusal to sign a peace pact ahead of the 2024 elections.

Mr. Gbande’s concerns centered around the integrity of Ghana’s electoral process, particularly under the administration of President Akufo-Addo and the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP). Mr. Gbande’s remarks reflected a deep mistrust in the functioning of key state institutions, particularly the Electoral Commission (EC), and the potential for electoral malpractices that he believes would destabilize the country.

Mr. Gbande began by addressing the broader issue of state institutions not performing their functions as intended. He argued that if the state fails to act correctly, the consequences could be disastrous.

“All of us are reminding them and guiding them to do the right thing. We would be at peace if we still have confidence in the commission.’’
Mustapha Gbande the Deputy Secretary of the National Democratic Congress (NDC)

Mr. Gbande also expressed concern about the loss of lives that has occurred due to the failure of these institutions. Mr. Gbande reserved his strongest criticism for the Electoral Commission, accusing it of failing to enforce the laws that govern peaceful elections.

Mr. Gbande asserted that the NDC would not sit back and allow any attempts to rig the election.

“We are just prepared to ensure that on the voting day, they should do something wrong because we will not sit back and allow anybody to rig the election, which is what the president and the government want to do.”
Mustapha Gbande the Deputy Secretary of the National Democratic Congress (NDC)

This statement highlighted the party’s readiness to resist any electoral malpractice they perceive to be orchestrated by the government.

Free and Fair Elections in the Upcoming 2024 Elections

Mr. Gbande accused the government of avoiding accountability, especially when it comes to ensuring a free and fair election in the upcoming 2024 Elections.

“Everybody is singing songs and dancing around the fire. We don’t want to hold the president and his government responsible to ensure that there’s a free and fair election.”
Mustapha Gbande the Deputy Secretary of the National Democratic Congress (NDC)

Mr. Gbande went further to claim that there were signs of a potential election rigging plan in place, although he acknowledged that proving it would be challenging.

A critical moment in Gbande’s speech was his assertion that the 2024 elections would be different from previous ones due to unprecedented levels of interference by the state.

Mr. Gbande argued that key security and political figures, including the Inspector General of Police (IGP) and the Chief Justice, should sign peace pacts, given the stakes of the upcoming election.

“This is the first time the minister for interior…the BNI director and the deputy IGP in charge of operation have met on how to rig election,” Mr. Gbande claimed, adding that this involvement of top officials indicated the seriousness of the situation.

The NDC deputy Secretary also pointed out what he viewed as the Electoral Commission’s mishandling of the voter exhibition exercise.

According to Mr. Gande, the EC had opened a window for inclusion at the exhibition center without informing political parties, a move that he described as chaotic and contributing to the potential for election-related violence.

“Is it not building chaos? Where is your commitment to peace when they cannot allow systems and institutions, procedures to work effectively?”
Mustapha Gbande the Deputy Secretary of the National Democratic Congress (NDC)

Mr. Gbande’s speech underscored the NDC’s stance on the integrity of the upcoming elections and their refusal to accept any attempts at electoral manipulation. Mr. Gbande warned that if systems are not allowed to function as intended, the country could descend into chaos, and the consequences would be severe.

Mr. Gbande made it clear that the NDC would not tolerate any efforts to rig the election or undermine the democratic process. His remarks served as a warning to the government and the Electoral Commission to ensure that the upcoming elections are conducted fairly and transparently.