The pressure group, Respect my Vote Movement has commended the Judges of the Malawian Constitutional Court for being awarded the 2020 Chatham House prize in recognition of their ‘courage and independence in the defense of democracy’.
According to the group, the prestigious award was in recognition of their bravery in overturning the results of the flawed presidential election in Malawi.
A statement issued by the Pro-democracy group,Respect My Vote said,”Respect My Vote is particularly pleased that the courage of the respected judges has gone a long way to preserve the sovereignty of the people of Malawi as well as the country’s democracy. This rare act of bravery was a clear manifestation of the rule of law and the principle of checks and balances which is unprecedented in Africa”.
The 2019 Malawi presidential election result was overturned after a panel of five High Court judges identified ‘widespread, systematic, and grave irregularities’ in the polls and called for fresh elections.
They, “Despite high-level bribery attempts and threats, Justice Healey Potani, Justice Ivy Kamanga, Justice Redson Kapindu, Justice Dingiswayo Madise and Justice Michael Tembo – who arrived in court under armed escort and wearing bullet-proof vests – delivered their 500-page ruling which upheld the constitution and defended citizens’ democratic rights in the most difficult circumstances” The statement from Chattam House announcing the award noted.
The Respect my Vote movement admonished the Supreme court that is faced with a petition from the presidential candidate of the National Democratic Congress(NDC) John Mahama to challenged the legitimacy of the 2020 presidential election results to emulate the Malawian Judges to promote peace in the country.
“This is a clear lesson to the Supreme Court of Ghana that is faced with a similar situation. International Observers have noted that even though voting in the 2020 presidential and parliamentary elections was free, there was lack of transparency in the collation of results leading to a disputed outcome of the elections”.
It will be recalled that Ghanaians went into the polls 0n December 7, 2020. The Electoral Commission Chairperson, Jean Mensa released results on December 9 and declared Akufo-Addo as the president-elect of the fourth republic.
The Leadership of the NDC then rejected the results and petitioned the Supreme court on Wednesday, December 30,2020 to seek for annulment of Akufo-Addo as president and order EC to conduct second election between their flagbearer Mahama and Nana Addo.
“Ghanaians are therefore looking up to the judges of the Supreme Court to uphold the constitution, the rule of law and the sovereign will of Ghanaians, the group said.
Find full statement below:
Respect My Vote Movement Congratulates Judges of the Malawian Constitutional Court
Accra, December 29,2020-Pro-democracy group Respect My Vote Movement has congratulated the Judges of the Malawian Constitutional Court for being awarded the 2020 Chatham House prize.
The prestigious award was in recognition of their courage and bravery in overturning the results of the flawed presidential election in Malawi.
Respect My Vote is particularly pleased that the courage of the respected judges has gone a long way to preserve the sovereignty of the people of Malawi as well as the country’s democracy. This rare act of bravery was a clear manifestation of the rule of law and the principle of checks and balances which is unprecedented in Africa.
“Despite high-level bribery attempts and threats, Justice Healey Potani, Justice Ivy Kamanga, Justice Redson Kapindu, Justice Dingiswayo Madise and Justice Michael Tembo – who arrived in court under armed escort and wearing bullet-proof vests – delivered their 500-page ruling which upheld the constitution and defended citizens’ democratic rights in the most difficult circumstances” The statement from Chattam House announcing the award noted.
This is a clear lesson to the Supreme Court of Ghana that is faced with a similar situation. International Observers have noted that even though voting in the 2020 presidential and parliamentary elections was free, there was lack of transparency in the collation of results leading to a disputed outcome of the elections. The Electoral Commission has embarrassingly changed the results several times after the official declaration.
Ghanaians are therefore looking up to the judges of the Supreme Court to uphold the constitution, the rule of law and the sovereign will of Ghanaians.
Akalilu Samed 024 317 3375
Stephen Kwabena Attuh 024 371 8353
Ama Owusuah Boateng 024 579 8712
Gabriel Osei Owusu 024 314 4983