Leader of the West African Elders Forum, Goodluck Jonathan has applauded the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Dr. George Akuffo Dampare for playing a crucial role in ensuring the peaceful conduct of elections.
In an address at the National Election Security Taskforce Press Centre, the former Nigerian president opined that the leadership of the security taskforce worked efficiently in ensuring the peaceful coordination of security across the country.
He commended the IGP for being at the forefront of activities.
He outlined the Electoral Commission (EC), security agencies and the Judiciary as the three key institutions that according to him are critical for the success of elections.
According to Goodluck Jonathan, politicians are the ‘soccer players’ in an election process while the aforementioned three are the ones that regulate the playfield [the electoral process].
“There are three key institutions, and they are critical for the success of elections. Sometimes we blame the politicians. Like I say for the politicians, yes you have to blame them, but they are like soccer players. There are people that must regulate the playfield otherwise people could score goals with their arms.
“In this case the election management body, in this instance the Electoral Commission of Ghana, the police that leads the security in managing the elections and the judiciary that adjudicates over electoral litigations. If these institutions do their work the way they should, then of course politicians will do the right thing.
“I must say that I commend the police leadership, the Inspector General of Police. We were here in October; we met with him. Today I was quite impressed that he is sitting in the situation room, and he will be there until results are announced. It is very difficult to see the Inspector General of Police leading in the front. Some may lead yes, but in the comfort of their houses and they get reports from their offices and they will give the relevant directives. But in this case, he is there himself and I am impressed with that,” he stated.
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