The Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS), Dr. Mohammed Ibn Chambas says he is confident the Electoral Commission (EC) will deliver a free, fair and transparent election on December 7.

Some Ghanaians had questioned the ability of the EC to organize a successful election following nationwide reports of many special voters being turned away on Thursday because their names were not on the special voters’ list.

Over 127,000 security and media personnel as well as EC officials and others who will have roles to play on election day, were expected to take part in the exercise.

Although the exercise which was held in 275 constituencies was largely peaceful, there were some complaints of missing names.

But speaking to Citi News on the sidelines of the Women’s Situation Room Cocktail with the chair of the Economic Community Of West African States (ECOWAS), Her Excellency Johnson Sirleaf, Dr. Chambers called on all to cooperate with the EC for a successful civic exercise.

“It is good that it[challenges] came up early enough. We still have time between now and election day which is December 7 so let us allow institutions to work.

“So far all the challenges that have come up have been resolved satisfactorily to the political parties and it is important that I emphasize this because they are the ones in the competition and the Electoral Commission is determined to work in a manner such that there is full consultation with political parties in whatever solutions it comes up to problems that arise.”

In a related story, Nobel Peace Laureate and Chairperson of ECOWAS Her Excellency Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has warned of the dire consequences of electoral violence.

She has therefore charged women to protect the country’s reputation as a beacon of peace.

“I can tell you that if there is violence during the elections and it spills over to the communities, there is a likelihood that a lot of people will get hurt, some people will die, properties will be destroyed, and when that starts people take advantage of the situation and it spreads beyond control. That is why we want to make sure Ghana maintains its good reputation.”

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By: Marian Ansah/citifmonline.com/Ghana
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