Youth must desist from electoral violence - Mama Wui
The Queenmother of Sogakofe, Mama Mornyuie Wui II, has advised the youth to desist from any violent conduct during this election period.
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She has also asked them to work hard towards securing for themselves a better future.
Speaking to the Daily Graphic on how to ensure a peaceful and successful election 2016, Mama Wui said the snatching and picking of ballot boxes had almost become the preserve of the youth.
That, she pointed out, was an indication that they were being used by some unscrupulous politicians to serve their selfish interests.
However, she said, it behoved the youth themselves to think about their future and rather fight for their views to be included in development policies, saying “violence will not do them any good.”
Policy lacuna
Mama Wui said besides a policy lacuna and institutional constraints precluding the youth from taking part in political decision making, they were also exposed to various tendencies of illicit behaviour due to desperation.
“Unemployment has become a global issue and Ghana is no exception. So out of desperation, these youth are easily tempted to commit acts of violence during such political season to please one political party or the other, in anticipation that they will be provided with jobs when that party assumes office”, she explained.
Ensuring a successful Election 2016
The outcome of the elections would be easily accepted when everyone is satisfied that the process has been free and fair. “There’s no way there will be peace when people doubt the outcome, especially when there is snatching of ballot boxes and the like’’, she said.
She called on all political actors to contribute their quota positively, and the Electoral Commission to also discharge its mandate creditably.
“This is a collective responsibility, led by the EC and supported by the political parties, especially their polling agents at the polling stations”, Mama Wui stressed.
The young queenmother deplored the use of intemperate language on political platforms and said politics was not about insults, or even focusing on the weaknesses of individual contestants but what one could do for their people and country.
