US State Department confers with Mills
May 19, 2008
Mills - "All I Ask For Is An Even Playing Field".
"We respect the democratic processes of Ghana.
Professor John Evans Atta Mills, has made it unequivocally clear, that the NDC's only request is for an “even playing field” in this year’s general elections.
He was speaking to the Mr. Thomas Dougherty, Director Of West African Affairs, of the U.S. Department of State, and Mr. Brian W. Shukan, First Secretary and Chief Of Political Section, U.S Embassy, Accra when they called on him today at his Kuku Hill Office at Osu.
The NDC Leader, re-echoed a point he had earlier made to the Carter Center and other progressive organisations, that, the NDC just wants an election that is free and fair in all sense of the word, asking the NPP government to respect the rules of Ghana’s electoral process and do nothing to heightened tension before, during and after the elections.
Professor Mills assured the State Department that he and his party are committed to respecting the democratic process of Ghana and will do everything within their remit to ensure a non-violent election.
He then added, "“However, it would be difficult to prevail on aggrieved persons this time around if what happened in 2004, by way of the NPP declaring itself winner, repeats itself”.
The NDC Leader did not hide the fact that some happenings as regards this year’s election are giving genuine cause for concern, and asked the United States and the International Community to continuously keep an eye on the elections.
He cited as unacceptable, the growth in voter population of more than 100% in 13 constituencies in the Ashanti Region from the years 2004 to 2006.
Prof Mills did welcome the participation of international observers for the 2008 elections, saying “It is matter of fact that America upholds the tenets of true democracy and it is my hope that you will do whatever it takes to ensure that Ghana’s nascent democracy finds solid feet to walk on” the NDC Leader told Mr. Dougherty.
He also mentioned that, “I have had occasion to ask the Carter Center and other international bodies to keep their focus on Ghana throughout this year because it is important to closely monitor the whole process and not only what happens on election day”
Prof Atta Mills, then assured his visitors, that he will ensure that under his leadership, all Ghanaians, irrespective of their political affiliations will have the opportunity to self determination, progress and development.
On his part, , Mr. Dougherty pledged Washington's support the people of Ghana, not any political party, saying that “We will pay attention to what happens in Ghana, but we will stay neutral. Washington will not take sides”
He went on further to express his appreciation to Professor Mills for his commitment to a non-violent election, and said his government will do everything it can to impress upon all those who matter in the electoral process, to make sure that there is an even playing field for all parties.
Alhaji Mohammed Mumuni, Vice Presidential Candidate for Elections 2004 was at hand to lend his support to Professor Mills.
