Avoid provocative utterances ahead of 2016 polls – Rawlings

Former President Jerry John Rawlings has admonished both political and religious leaders to be circumspect about their utterances in a bid to ensure  a peaceful election in 2016.

But as with every elections, there have been concerns about the country’s security considering the tension that is often experienced ahead of major elections. A case in point were the recently held by-elections  in the country which recorded some violence scenes.

Utterances by politicians considered unsavory, have also been viewed as having the potential to destabilize the country’s peace, during and after the polls.

While calling for circumspection ahead of the 2016 elections, Mr. Rawlings said “2016 will be a testing time for Ghanaians” but was quick to urge the various leaders to ensure the integrity of the electoral process despite the challenges that will emerge.

“I think 2016 is going to be a very crucial year. It is going to be a testing time for all of us. I don’t want to be as fatalistic as suggesting that there it could be a make or break situation. I will play my part and do whatever I can to ensure the integrity of this process and I can only make an appeal to you the leaders to do the same.” Speaking at a meeting with PNC’s Presidential Candidate Dr. Edward Mahama, Mr. Rawlings further advised political leaders to do “everything possible to prevent provocative language” before, during and after the elections.