Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, has called on the government to refrain from deploying military personnel to supervise the upcoming elections.
He emphasized that the military should only be called upon to assist the police in exceptional circumstances.
"We don’t want to see the military during elections. When there is the need to call them, they will be called. But they should not be at polling or voting centres," Mr. Bagbin stated.
His remarks were made on Tuesday, June 11, 2024, as the House reconvened after a break.
In his opening address, Mr. Bagbin voiced concerns over the recent violence observed during the voter registration exercise.
"The signs and signals happening in the country are not that of assurance and hope. I shudder when I am told that people going to write their names carry knives, guns, just to go and write names. What about when we are going to vote? And at the end of it all the results are announced and somebody else has carried the day and not the other. I shudder to picture what can happen."
Mr. Bagbin called for thorough preparations by all stakeholders to ensure a free and fair election process.
He also highlighted the risks posed by youth unemployment to national security, urging collective action to avert potential disaster.
"We must act together and now to prevent a journey to calamity or a journey of no return," he added.
His plea underscores the need for careful and peaceful electoral processes, reflecting the Speaker's deep concern for the nation's stability and democratic integrity.
Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith
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