1454hrs Friday January 1, 2009
Supporters of NPP are grieving for points. Non-Supporters of NPP are mad that they are wasting everybody's time. Indeed, everyone appears to have an opinion and it is increasingly getting to the point of extreme in terms of positions. In the end, it is we the plebians who are left with a perplexing state of anxiety. I don't like the feeling at all. I just want to live my life and move on with my business come Monday January 5, 2009. It is looming large on the horizon that this thing that came to the wire is likely reaching its tensile strength. What do we do to prevent it snapping.. to ensure that everybody comes out this unscathed and with his/her honour standing? This is my reason for this afternoon.
Now it is clear that it has moved from "I have a chance" on the part of NPP to "we want our rights given to us before this matter can be settled". This is the impact of the follow-up action to Arthur Kennedy's statement on Metro TV last night. And what am I talking about? The ex-parte motion filed today at the Accra Fast Track court. what the NPP wants is summed up in Arthur K's statement about the constituencies in Volta Region. Of course, somehow, the media and NDC and the observers all heard about it and trooped to court and Madam CJ also assigned a Judge to sit on the matter this morning.
Meanwhile in a different part of the country, the buzz activities for political action was going on by the NDC big wigs.. it has even been reported that some NPP boys there are saying that if AfariDjan doesn't say something about the NPP writ, then they won't vote. Anyway, the Judge told NPP that ex-parte means having a party by yourself but you need witnesses to celebrate the occasion so go look for NDC and AfariDjan and give them their invitation cards by 10.00 tomorrow (Friday) and the NDC would be expected to respond to their invitation by 1100hrs on Saturday. All that before he would even entertain any discussion in his chambers.
My view of the matter now - and this is polished by all the people I have been talking to (on both sides of the political divide) - is that the NPP is trying hard to be innovative in distancing itself from the people of Ghana. At this stage, it is not about whether NPP is right or wrong but simply that the wind of change has been demonstrated (in their opinion) and that NPP is just proving stubborn and losing all the marbles of a future fortune in 4 years time. My son, who is my independent political thermometer during this 2nd round, tells me that the NPP is acting in such a way that people would be so angry with them that the good will that they have built up might and will dissipate and keep them in opposition for many years.
I tell you, the moral (I don't know if its the correct word now, but let me use it all the same) standing of NPP is being eroded in the eyes of Ghanaians, because it seems as if their actions are being seen as plain disregard for the sensitivity of Ghanaians and a subtle contribution to any infractions that would happen in Ghana. God Forbid!! Amen. I doubt if NPP has that agenda!
I am seeing that there could be a possible difference in preferred action. I put this to Leadership. Sometimes the actions or inactions or non-action of leadership and any indoor conflicts with the family elders can ultimately bring out the wrong messages to the people of Ghana. Even if NPP is right, people feel that the way they are going about things is not the best. perhaps, the tight deadlines available now provide a compelling reason for that.
So many people are saying today that NPP must not damage their democratic reputation or goodwill. Some people even feel that the said goodwill has been taken away already on the basis of events and their actions following AfariDjan's announcement. This situation is a real test case of leadership dynamics however difficult it is.
The questions that are on the lips of many are many - should Nana concede? should the leadership of NPP put down their files? Shouldn't Nana be seen to be talking to Agya Atta? can this election be "salvaged" outside of Tain? Are Ghanaians prepared to wait beyond Friday to hear who their next President would be? would Ghanaians be prepared to allow President Kufuor to stay as President whilst a court battle rages on? if yes, what constitutional provision caters for that hanging situation? if so, which Parliament would need to be in place to be inaugurated to hear the Inaugural Address by the President? I tell you, last night after watchnight service, the talk on the lips of my friends was that the tension is just too much to bear.I won't ask their (NPP's) motive but clearly they are very determined to prevent losing the elections (notice the way I have put it).
This is very daunting for NPP because AfariDjan has announced the certified results for 229 out of 230 constituencies. he is saying that its up to Tain to bring the casting ballot for this presidential race. For presidential results, the whole country is one constituency so maybe some polling stations could be relooked at.. but there are procedures for achieving this. I believe, not until the man declares the results, you have nothing to file an affidavit on. because the declaration at the polling stations and constituencies and regional levels are all provisional results until signed and approved by AfariDjan. Once, the man did this on Tuesday, the metal bolt appears to have been cast on the matter.
So the other question I have is, what stops AfariDjan from declaring on FRIDAY night the winner following the Tain vote? whilst there is a case likely to be heard on Saturday or SUNDAY by Justice Ofori-Ansah's (I am not sure what the name is) fast track High court?
My hunch is that AfariDjan would announce as it is duty to do. If he does not, he would also be blamed for being influenced by Government to keep this battle enjoined unnecessarily. If he does, he would be seen as a hero by NDC.. no where cool!!
Can our man take the heat, his independence, his profesional experiences and kill all the birds with one stone? if so, when can he do it? when should he do it? why should he do it? how does he manage the after effects of what he does....? does he have to be the person to manage the after-effects? would there be any after-effects? these are matters for the political scientists and those physically ini the political game.. We the plebians have no locus standi in venturing into the minds of either AfariDjan or the politicians.
There is too much confusion and tension. Ghanaians at home and in the diaspora should not be despondent at all because we shall rise above all this with an intact country...so please don't stop your money transfers. we love the inflows. Tain is bustling with all the attention. they are all there. wow, there is even live TELEVISION coming fro that place.. can you imagine.. development can come when it is necessary!!! Tain people, you are buei!! How will your thumbs talk tomorrow?
1700hrs, Friday January 2, 2009 would be the most precious time this side of this new year. I doubt if any of the 140 polling stations there will not have live coverage on radio tomorrow. already, come and see the local folks being interviewed on TV side by side with the big politicians. Life can be sweet if there is all the glitter of attention on you. Goodness and Mercy shall be showered on Tainese all the days of their lives until 0700hrs tomorrow morning.
In spite of all this , believe me, I want to commend Ghanaians for the unbelievable show of courage and determination never to be cowed into any conflict thus far. Paradoxically, despite the tension, it has been very quiet (no peaceful) otherwise. I even decided against buying my bag of rice already. It is a matter of pride that this close election has not, with the exception of what appears to me to be a few orchestrated (certainly not spontaneous) rampages by small groups of supporters on both sides, not led to any national level conflagration.
We await the wisdom of AfariDjan and his team.
I tell you and I repeat that I am proud to be Ghanaian.
Bla Elik
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