Statement by EU High Representative Catherine Ashton on the Presidential and Parliamentary elections process in Ghana

BRUSSELS, Kingdom of Belgium, December 10, 2012/African Press Organization (APO)/ — The High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice President of the Commission issued the following statement today:

“Following the announcement by the Electoral Commission of the results of the Presidential elections held on 7 December 2012, I wish to extend my congratulations to President-Elect John Dramani Mahama. As a close and long-standing partner, the EU looks forward to continuing its strong partnership with Ghana with the aim of promoting our common democratic values and supporting the country’s continued social, economic and democratic development.

I welcome the peaceful conduct of the Presidential and Parliamentary elections, which took place in an open, transparent and competitive environment. In coordination with the Ghanaian authorities, the European Union has sent an Electoral Expert Mission which will stay in the country until the end of the Electoral process. I would like to commend the Electoral Commission of Ghana for its impartial and overall professional management of the process.

I should also like to pay tribute to the other presidential candidates for their contribution to the

democratic process. I would like to praise their pledge made in the Kumasi Declaration to uphold peace before, during and after the elections. I call on the contenders to remain committed to that pledge and to seek redress for any grievances in a peaceful manner through the appropriate legal channels.

My greatest respect and warmest congratulations are reserved for the people of Ghana, who by turning out in such high numbers and in such an orderly and peaceful manner have demonstrated their unwavering commitment to the democratic process in their country. Ghana has once again demonstrated its political maturity, and remains an example to all.”

Did you find this information helpful? If you did, consider donating.