Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the former vice president of Ghana, has said that his early concession in the 2024 presidential contest was motivated by his strong commitment to the nation’s democratic stability and peace.
Dr. Bawumia discussed the reasons behind his choice during a Nigerian discussion on democracy, governance, and political integrity on Monday, January 27. He emphasized the importance of maintaining national stability throughout elections.
Within 48 to 72 hours, he said, he expected the Electoral Commission to formally publish the election results. He made the decision to move swiftly because he understood the growing national strain and the possibility of instability if the announcement were postponed.
I understood that a protracted results release could lead to increased tension and even bloodshed,” he said. The pressure was, in fact, already increasing.
Recognizing the volatile environment, Dr. Bawumia explained that his decision to concede the election early was a calculated move to prevent unnecessary conflict. “I, therefore, took the decision to hold a press conference at 9 a.m. the next morning to concede the election to my opponent even before the EC had announced any collated official results,” he said.
According to Dr. Bawumia, his swift action aimed not only to defuse the potential for violence but also to demonstrate political maturity and respect for the democratic system. He emphasized that his approach highlighted his dedication to the peaceful transfer of power, crucial for the long-term health of any democracy.
In his remarks, Dr. Bawumia emphasized the significance of strong political integrity in ensuring effective and transparent governance. He stated that his concession was an effort to safeguard the democratic principles Ghana has upheld, assuring citizens that the electoral process would not be jeopardized by unnecessary delays or uncertainty.
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