Election 2012 Is A Test Case For Ghana�s Democracy - President Mills

The Ghanaian electorate would to prove to the world in Election 2012 that democracy has come to stay, President John Evans Atta Mills has said. He said the nation�s democracy stands very tall, and there is the need to maintain and improve upon it. In a discussion with members of the Canada- Africa Parliamentary Association in Ottawa, President Mills cautioned against the trap of electoral violence, explaining that ordinary people faced the brunt of such hostilities rather than the political leaders who seek the vote and mandate of the people. The discussion with the Association formed part of the four-day working visit of President Mills to Canada, which ends on Sunday. President Mills insisted on the God-given right of people to elect leaders of their choice, and restated his commitment to ensure free, fair and transparent polls. He said Government will adequately resource the Electoral Commission. He threw an invitation to the Association to join in observing next year�s elections, and praised Canada as a model for the practice of democracy. Madam Raynell Audreychuck, Leader of the Association praised President Mills for his leadership style and commitment to free and fair elections. She said democracy can only flourish if there is an independent Electoral Commission, strong press, rule of law and other institutions. Later in an interview with journalists, Don Meredith, a senator commended President Mills for the pursuit of youth centred programmes, listing the provision of free school uniform, exercise books and food for kids and building of more classrooms to create access to education and skills to the youth.