September 1, 2015 must be declared a public holiday in Ghana to
encourage more people to vote in the local government elections, the
Centre for Local Governance Advocacy has appealed.
“The CLGA is rigorously reiterating its
earlier call on government to declare the day a holiday, thus expects
September 1st 2015, the day for the local government elections, to be
declared a public holiday. It is the position of the CLGA that in order
to give the true meaning to Article 35(6d) of the 1992 constitution,
which states that ‘the state shall take
appropriate measures to make democracy a reality by … affording all
possible opportunities to the people to participate in decision – making
at every level of national life and in government’ efforts must be
made to promote voter participation in all local level elections. By
this, popular participation in decision making and participatory
democracy will be enhanced,” a statement signed by Dr Vladimir Antwi
Danso, Ag. Executive Director of the Centre said.
It added: “Also, the dwindling voter
turnout in previous local government elections, coupled with the failed
March 3rd attempt at conducting the elections, call for pragmatic steps
not just to ensure that the election is held but to ensure that there is
increased participation in the September 1st elections. To achieve
this, the CLGA is of the firm belief that declaring September 1st as a
public holiday is a sure way of achieving grand participation.”
Below is the full statement:
DECLARE SEPTEMBER 1ST A PUBLIC HOLIDAY
The Centre for Local Governance Advocacy (CLGA) has noted with
contentment the successful maturation of the CI 89, and commends
Parliament for doing due diligence in passing the CI. The CLGA also
commends the Electoral Commission for coming out with modalities for the
now September 1st 2015 District Assembly and Units Committee Elections.
The Centre also commends the Ministry of Local Government and Rural
Development for holding the fort.
The CLGA is rigorously reiterating its
earlier call on government to declare the day a holiday, thus expects
September 1st 2015, the day for the local government elections, to be
declared a public holiday. It is the position of the CLGA that in order
to give the true meaning to Article 35(6d) of the 1992 constitution,
which states that ‘the state shall take appropriate measures to make
democracy a reality by … affording all possible opportunities to the
people to participate in decision – making at every level of national
life and in government’ efforts must be made to promote voter
participation in all local level elections. By this, popular
participation in decision making and participatory democracy will be
enhanced.
Also, the dwindling voter turnout in
previous local government elections, coupled with the failed March 3rd
attempt at conducting the elections, call for pragmatic steps not just
to ensure that the election is held but to ensure that there is
increased participation in the September 1st elections. To achieve this,
the CLGA is of the firm belief that declaring September 1st as a public
holiday is a sure way of achieving grand participation.
The Ministry of Local Government and Rural
Development, the National Commission for Civic Education, Civil Society
Organizations and relevant stakeholders are encouraged to step up
efforts to boost awareness and participation.
The Ministry for Local Government and Rural
Development must come out with a clear date to swear in or inaugurate
the assemblies after the September 1st elections.
The Electoral Commission, in delivering on
its mandate, is strongly advised to quality assure its decisions to
avert any unnecessary setbacks.
The CLGA is calling on all well-meaning Ghanaians of voting age to partake in the district level elections.
SIGNED
Vladimir Antwi Danso
Ag. Executive Director
Source: Ghana/starrfmonline.com/103.5FM
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