All political leaders must respect the voice of the people – Mahama

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Created on Sunday, 09 December 2012 00:00

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All political leaders must respect the voice of the people – Mahama

09 December 2012

Ghana’s President-elect John Dramani Mahama has asked all political leaders in the country to respect the verdict of the people.

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Mr. Mahama was delivering his victory speech after the Chairman of the Electoral Commission of Ghana, Dr. Kwadwo Afari Gyan declared him winner of Friday’s poll.

He polled 50.70% of the total votes cast to beat his main contender, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo of the opposition New Patriotic Party who obtained 47.74 of the votes.

The opposition party alleged fraud insisting that the ballots in some electoral centres were doctored.

But the EC asked the NPP to take its case to court.

Mr. Mahama expressed his gratitude to the people of Ghana for the confidence reposed in him.

Multimedia's Elections Headquarters had projected that incumbent president would win the poll.

The EC's results virtually confirmed the projected results of Joy FM.

There are wild celebrations on major streets and in pubs across the country.

President Mahama, a northern Christian, ascended to the presidency in extraordinary circumstances; he was sworn-in as president following the death of President John Atta Mills in July 2012 in accordance with Ghana's constitution.

His governing National Democratic Congress (NDC), quickly proclaimed him its presidential candidate for the elections which were only months away.

In order not alienate the people of the home region of his predecessor and political mentor Atta Mills, Central Region, which is also a swing region, Mr. Mahama appointed then Governor of the Bank of Ghana, Mr. Kwesi Amissah-Arthur as Vice-President.

The President told voters his party deserved a second term because since 1992, every President won a second term bid. He said it was only fair and just that the NDC was given a second term to complete its Better Ghana project initiated under the late president.

The electorate must have bought his message and gave his party a second bid in closely contested elections.

It remains to be seen whether Mr. Mahama can fulfill all the lofty promises he made to the electorate.

From: Myjoyonline.com