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| End of long political season in sight |
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| Posted on: 2008-Dec-28 thinkghana.com |
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Ghanaians go to the polls on Sunday to choose the next president of the Ghana, deciding whether Nana Akufo-Addo or John Atta-Mills is better suited to lead the nation through what is expected to be an economic transformation after having found commercial quantities of oil.
In voting centre’s countrywide, the people are picking up ballot papers to bring to an end a political tale that has spurned for almost two years, after the first round on December 7 that failed to produce a clear cut winner.
A runoff became necessary after no candidate in the first run December 7 round managed to win over 50%.
In the first round, Akufo-Addo won 49.1% of the vote, ahead of Atta-Mills with 47.9%, according to the electoral commission.
The two rivals are casting their ballots in different parts of the country.
Nana Akufo-Addo of the ruling New Patriotic Party would be voting in the Eastern region of Ghana whiles opposition candidate John Atta Mills will cast his vote in the capital, Accra.
The two were among eight candidates seeking to succeed President John Kufuor, who is stepping down after two terms, as required by law.
Early queues were formed at polling centres across Ghana for voting in a presidential run-off. But the queues are not as long this early as they did on December 7, when voters slept over at the stations to vote early.
The turn out to the start of voting on Sunday suggests a less enthusiastic queue.
Former president Jerry John Rawlings, who cast his vote at the PWD Polling Station near the Castle in Osu expressed the hope that people will maintain the vigilance and courage so that the will of the people prevails.
He stressed the need to respect the free will of the people.
"If the NPP wants to show a shred of nobility, they should withdraw the unofficial police wearing police uniform."
The former President claimed the NPP had armed ordinary people and given police and army uniforms to wear and cause mayhem.
He stated that Ghana had an opportunity to have free and fair elections on December 7 so that the people enjoy Christmas but the chance was blown.
He expressed regret that there were indications he claims that fraud will be perpetrated by the NPP.
"One side has reinforced its fraud and violent nature."
"Anyone of the two will be acceptable to this country provided the elections are free and fair."
Mr. Rawlings warned that the results will not be accepted if fraud if perpetrated.
At the Ayawaso West Constituency in the Greater Accra region, Ghana’s First Lady, Mrs Theresa Kufuor, is serving as an election observer.
Some voting experts and campaign advisers predict higher turn out with over eight millions expected to vote today.
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