The National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) plans to publicly name and shame media houses and politicians who promote insults and religious conflict.
The NCCE says it has deepened its public messaging strategy on the forthcoming December 7, 2024 general elections.
The Commission wants to reduce the number of insults and religious divisiveness in the country.
It has therefore adopted a number of strategies in reaching out to the general public in order to achieve a successful electoral process. Knowledge on the election process is paramount, and to deliver on its responsibility, the NCCE has been on the ground.
Speaking to the Media during briefing on the commencement of Inter-Party Dialogue Committees’ (IPDC) activities for the 2024 elections, the Chairperson of the NCCE, Kathleen Addy said, “as we approach the 2024 general election, it is imperative that we address the issue of conflict management to prevent violence before, during, and after the electoral process”.
She added, “Before we get to that let us be reminded that the NCCE’s theme for 2024 is TOGETHER WE CAN BUILD GHANA, SO GET INVOLVED.”
This theme is important because the IPDC is one of the best examples of state institutions working together for the good of our country. Institutional collaboration is essential for development, but during the election cycle it is critical for peace, security and free, fair elections.”
Background to the IPDCs
The IPDCs serve as a unifying body that promotes peace and tolerance among political parties, especially, at the grassroots level.
The Inter-Party Dialogue Committees were established by the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) at the regional and district levels as a proactive measure to foster peaceful elections and ensure political stability in our nation.
The IPDCs serve as a platform for dialogue and collaboration among political parties, stakeholders, and citizens to address electoral concerns, promote tolerance, and mitigate potential conflicts.
Composition
Present in regional and district capitals, the IPDCs consist of the following:
1. All registered political parties existing at the regional and district levels.
2. Political party affiliated groups and youth wings such as TEIN, TESCON, NASARA Club, Zongo Caucus etc.
3. Faith-Based Organizations.
4. Civil Society/ Community Based Organizations.
5. Independent Governance Institutions (CHRAJ, EC, NMC/GJA).
6. Security Services
7. Traditional leaders
8. At the Regional level, the National Peace Council plays a critical role in the IPDCs as well.
Work of the IPDCs During Previous Elections
The IPDCs have played a pivotal role in promoting peaceful coexistence and resolving disputes among political parties during past elections. Through constructive dialogue and mediation, the committees have successfully defused tensions, addressed grievances, and facilitated the smooth conduct of elections.
Their efforts have contributed significantly to upholding the democratic values of our nation and safeguarding the integrity of the electoral process.
Success Stories of IPDC Activities
The chairperson shared some success stories that highlight the effectiveness of the IPDC activities during previous elections:
Conflict Resolution:
The IPDCs have effectively resolved disputes and conflicts that could have escalated into violence. Through facilitated dialogue and mediation, they have fostered mutual understanding and reconciliation among political parties and their supporters.
Voter Education:
The IPDCs have assisted in voter education campaigns to raise awareness about electoral processes, rights, and responsibilities. By empowering citizens with accurate information, they have helped to enhance transparency and confidence in the electoral system.
Identifying Early Warning Mechanisms:
The IPDCs have identified and addressed potential sources of conflict and prevented escalation. Through active monitoring and engagement with stakeholders, IPDCs have been able to proactively mitigate risks and maintain peace during the electoral period.
IPDCs Activities for Elections, 2024
To ensure peaceful and violent free elections, the NCCE is pleased to announce the commencement of the activities of the Inter Party Dialogue Committees across the country.
Initial meetings have been held in many districts and others will follow soon. Subsequent to initial meetings, IPDCs are expected to meet regularly, at least, once in every month before the election day.
Emergency meetings will be called at any time issues that could affect the peaceful conduct of the elections come up. Some of the key activities to be carried out include the following:
1. Organising interactive Inter-Party fora aimed at defusing tensions that could escalate into violence.
2. Engaging stakeholders in the resolution of inter and intra party disagreements that have the potential to affect the upcoming elections.
3. Organising social events such as sporting activities, street processions involving members of all political parties, as part of strategies to enhance tolerance and peaceful coexistence.
In addition to the dialogue function, the IPDCs, shall also help monitor and resolve cases of breach of rules and regulations relating to the conduct of the elections and the maintenance of public order. The issues to be monitored and addressed include:
• Defacing of posters.
• Intemprate, provocative and abusive campaign messages.
• Fake news (misinformation and disinformation).
• Disregard for rules regulating political party rallies and processions.
• Exploiting religious and ethnic difference to create intolerance that may affect peaceful coexistence.
Before Concluding I want to highlight our 4 broad areas of focus for 2024 election year.
• Violence, intemprate language also known as insults, incitement etc
• Fake news, misinformation and disinformation
• Religious intolerance and divisiveness in campaign messages
• Demand and supply of money in political campaigns
PLUS….
• Environmental degradation in the form of galamsey
Conclusion
In conclusion, the commencement of work of the Inter-Party Dialogue Committees marks a significant milestone in our collective efforts to promote peaceful elections and uphold democratic principles.
As we embark on this journey towards the 2024 general election, let us reaffirm our commitment to dialogue, tolerance, and unity for the greater good of our nation. Let me state that our theme for the year, ‘TOGETHER WE CAN BUILD GHANA, SO GET INVOLVED’ reinforces our collective resolve to build a future where democracy thrives, and peace prevails.
By Joseph Armstrong Gold-Alorgbey
The post Election 2024: NCCE to name and shame promoters of insults and religious conflict first appeared on 3News.
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