WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, released the following statement Monday ahead of Ghana’s national election on December 7th:
“Ghana has made enormous strides on its path to democracy since the country’s return to civilian rule. It has served as a model in West Africa, on the continent and around the world for nearly 25 years.
“The United States values our partnership with the government and our friendship with the Ghanaian people. Our mutual commitment to democratic principles has served as the foundation of a strong and enduring alliance which I hope to see continue.
“Ghana continues to display the hallmarks of a functioning and vibrant democracy and I applaud the candidates for signing a peace pact on December 1. I call on all political parties and candidates to continue to adhere to that pact and the commitments made this past May in the Ada Communique to refrain from violence, and ensure peaceful, credible voting on December 7th. I encourage all those who may wish to contest the outcome of the elections to seek remedy through the courts and to conduct any public displays of disagreement or disappointment with the outcome in a peaceful manner.
“Government officials, the opposition, party operatives and supporters, and civil society must all do their part to help the Ghanaian people retain confidence in the elections process and ensure Ghana remains an international example of a free, open democratic society.”
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