“When a blind man threatens to throw a stone at you, then his leg is certainly on a stone,†paraphrasing an old adage in relation to what transpired between the Flagbearer of the Progressive People’s Party(PPP), Papa Kwesi Nduom and the Electoral Commission(EC).
It is obvious that Dr. Nduom and the PPP knew what they were doing when they suggested that the EC allowed them just five minutes to settle all the anomalies with their nomination forms.
They went further to state at the press conference after they were disqualified that, they would not wish to use the other option of the court but would be forced to do so if the first offer is not granted.
In Dr. Nduom’s exact words, “the issues with the forms are not fraudulent but rather administrative issues that could be discussed. Just five minutes with Mrs. Charlotte Osei will result in me being cleared to contest in the general elections.â€
“Together with my lawyers, we have reviewed the documents filed, which was presented to us today (October 11) and it is only two pages that have some mistakes which could be rectified. Not even in the entire pages,†he stressed.
He practically begged the EC Chairperson allow him to meet with her so they could meet and discuss the issue amicably just as it has been done to some other candidates.
The other option as agreed by his lawyers he said, is the court which he does not want to use but would however consider it if the first option fails.
“I respect the authority of those appointed to oversee our young democracy which means I respect the authority of the Electoral Commission and its Chairperson,†he stated.
He added that “it is important that we the political parties and independents who are key players and customers of the EC are able to interact, communicate and establish a mutually productive relationship.â€
In a democracy that is still under development, he said a win-win situation must be created between those in authority of any type and those whose activities they are put there to supervise.
He added that he does not know the EC Boss personally and hence there cannot be a negative or positive personal matter between the two and the PPP has since, its formation consistently called on the EC as an institution to be strengthened so that it can enforce the political party law.
The PPP going to the court meant that they EC did not honour their plea and the party was left with no option than to go to court.
Eventually, they were victorious and Papa Kwesi Ndoum is back on the ballot papers for the December 7, general elections.
The EC could have at least allowed the PPP the five minutes they requested to avoid the embarrassment which has opened the floodgate for people to question the credibility of the EC while the PPP is raised shoulder high for their courage and boldness.
Just maybe, in future when the EC is faced with such offer, they might consider a fair hearing or discussion rather than allowing the issue to go to court which they might lose eventually.
Maybe lessons are supposed to be learnt the hard way. Congrats PPP and Dr. Nduom.
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