Ghana in Focus: Peace, Security and Unity before, during and the after the Election

Introduction

Peace, security, and unity are essential components of the electoral process, and it's crucial to maintain them throughout. Before, during, and after the election, these three elements are vital for sustainable development and the well-being of any society. In this article, we shall explore the understanding of the main themes, biblical perspective, before, during and after the election and the importance of peace, security and unity.

Understanding the themes

Elections are an essential part of a democratic process, allowing citizens to exercise their human rights and choose their leaders by secret balloting without intimidations. Elections provide a way for citizens to participate in the decision-making process and to hold elected officials accountable for their actions. In Acts 1:23-26, the apostles chose a replacement for Judas through a democratic process. This shows that elections have been a part of Christian tradition from the early days. ?

Peace is a state of calmness, where individuals and communities can thrive without fear of conflict or violence, and is essential for development, while security is a condition of being safe and protected from harm, threats, and danger, which fosters confidence and stability, and is vital for development. Unity is a state of oneness and solidarity among individuals, groups, and nations, where shared values, goals, and interests are pursued through collaboration and cooperation, and is crucial for development. That is to say, peace provides the foundation, security provides the protection, and unity provides the bond that holds everything together for development to take place. Without peace, development is hindered by conflict and violence. Without security, development is threatened by fear and uncertainty and without unity; development is slowed by division and discord. Together they create a harmonious environment for development, where human potential can be realized, social justice can be achieved, and economic prosperity can be attained.

Peace and Unity in Biblical Perspective

In the Bible, peace is not just the absence of conflict but also the presence of justice, love, and harmony. Jesus Christ is the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6), and He came to bring peace on earth (Luke 2:14). Through His death and resurrection, He reconciled us to God and to each other (Ephesians 2:14-18). As Christians, we are called to be peacemakers (Matthew 5:9) and to live in peace with everyone (Hebrews 12:14). Unity on the other hand, is a vital aspect of the Christian faith. Jesus prayed for His followers to be one, just as He and the Father are one (John 17:21). Paul emphasized the importance of being united in mind and judgment (1 Corinthians 1:10). Unity is not about uniformity but about being united in our diversity, with each member contributing their unique gifts and perspectives for the building up of one another. When we dwell together in unity, God commands a blessing, and we experience His grace and peace (Psalm 133:1-3).

Before, During and After

Before the election, all political parties and stakeholders engage in peaceful and respectful dialogue. This sets the tone for a peaceful election process. Security forces should be prepared to maintain law and order, and all citizens should feel safe and secure in exercising their right to vote. On the day of elections (during), it is crucial to maintain peace and security at all polling stations. This ensures that all voters can cast their ballots without fear or intimidation. The security presence is to protect the properties and citizens who have come from across the country to exercise their democratic right. Once the results are announced after the elections, it is crucial to maintain peace and security, regardless of the outcome. I will plead to the political parties and their followers for the sake of unity to accept the results and move forward. Any disputes or grievances should be addressed through peaceful and legal means.

The Importance of Peace, Security, and Unity

Peace, security, and unity are the foundation of sustainable development. They create an environment where people can live without fear, exercise their rights, and pursue their well-being. When we dwell together in unity, God commands a blessing, and we experience His grace and peace.

Conclusion

I like reiterate that peace, security, and unity can never be overlooked since they are essential components of the electoral process, and it is crucial to maintain them throughout. By doing so, we can ensure that the election process is fair, peaceful, and reflects the will of the people. As Christians, let us pray for peace and unity, and work towards promoting them in our society for sustainable development and the well-being of the people, following the teachings of Jesus Christ and the principles of the Bible.

Rev. Daniel Nii Saka Addo

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