Marshallans call for peaceful elections on December 7, 2020

COMMUNIQUÉ ISSUED BY THE KNIGHTS OF MARSHALL AT THE END OF ITS SUPREME COUNCIL MEETING HELD AT THE MARSHALLAN CENTRE IN SEKONDI IN THE WESTERN REGION OF GHANA

16^TH TO 17^TH OCTOBER 2020.

PREAMBLE

We, members of the Supreme Council of the Knights of Marshall, at a meeting held in Sekondi from October 16 – 17, 2020, discussed among others, the impending General Election of our beloved country. Of prime focus was a deep reflection on the topic: “Towards Open, Transparent, Credible and Peaceful 2020 General Election for Sustainable Democracy”. Based on our reflections on this topic and inspired by a sense of patriotism and the ideals of the Noble Order, we deem it fitting to issue the following:

1. We are of the firm belief that majority of Ghanaians have a strong desire for clean, free and fair elections in a peaceful and harmonious climate which is devoid of fear, suspicion, distrust, retribution, political hooliganism, thuggery, vigilantism, mudslinging and name-calling.  This desire should guide the conduct of key actors in the upcoming General Election.

• The track record of Ghana’s Electoral Commission (EC) since 1992, albeit with varied composition over the years, gives us optimism that it will not let us down in this election.  We therefore urge all stakeholders, especially the Political Parties, to cooperate with the EC to achieve yet again another feat for Ghana. We however encourage constructive criticism of the electoral process, where necessary, with the view to building a strong Electoral Commission and preserving the sanctity of a Commission that can inspire trust in its work. It is our firm belief that in situations where there are irreconcilable differences, affected parties should seek legal redress rather than resort to the use of intemperate language and or violence.

• Ensuring incident free, fair and credible elections in December 2020 is a call to duty by all citizens, as a moral, civic and spiritual responsibility.  It is important that every citizen knows and respects the legal prescriptions governing the electoral process, including the dos and don’ts as well as the sanctions that go with violations. Consequently, the Electoral Commission and the National Commission for Civic Education must lead the educational process with support from various stakeholders like Traditional Authorities, Religious Leaders, and Civil Society Organizations etc. As Marshallans, we commit to joining the educational campaign and also collaborate with the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference to closely observe and monitor the elections on 7^th December.

• The Media has a critical role to play in informing, educating and whipping up interest in the electoral process. However, they should be circumspect in their reportage and should not carry overly sensational stories that may inflame passions. The media should desist from doctoring stories also. The use of social media to circulate concocted stories is a worrying trend and efforts should be intensified to identify and sanction such perpetrators.

• Political Parties mostly seek power with the aim to improving the living conditions of citizens. The electioneering campaign should therefore be characterized by a contest of ideas and devoid of actions that undermine the integrity of the elections. The principal lesson from election results is that the sovereign will of the citizenry is key to who governs them.  This sovereign will must be respected at all times.

• The Law enforcement Agencies and the Judiciary should be given the necessary support to enforce the electoral laws without fear or favour. They should be quick and decisive in bringing to book perpetrators of actions that undermine the elections. These actions should be carried out without fear or favour.

CONCLUSION

We call on the Ghanaian citizenry to ensure peaceful elections by taking personal interest in what happens before, during and after the elections. It is our collective business, and therefore each individual, organization or group must first think about their role in this regard rather than finding blame in others. Various institutions, structures and individuals must work diligently towards peaceful elections. The utterances, actions or inactions of just one group, body or individual can mar the peace and setback the development process.

May our patron saint, St. Anthony of Padua continue to intercede on behalf of all Ghanaians.

Issued on Monday, October 19, 2020

SIR KNIGHT BRO. CHARLES L.L. COBB

SUPREME KNIGHT

NOBLE ORDER OF KNIGHTS OF MARSHALL