Ghana Contenders Sign Peace Pact As Tensions Rise Before Vote

Ghanaians go to the polls on December 7 for the country's eighth consecutive poll since returning to democracy nearly 30 years ago. Although 12 candidates are vying for the top job, the contest mainly pits incumbent Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) against his predecessor John Mahama of the main opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) - their third electoral show-down. On Friday, the two candidates signed a peace pact pledging to work for a peaceful process.

The two parties have clashed over the neutrality of the Electoral Commission, owing to differences in compiling the new voters' register ahead of the elections. Despite a solid track record, deficiencies have exposed the commission to accusations of manipulation. The peaceful transfer of power between the NPP and the NDC in 2001, 2009 and 2017 has earned the country a reputation of political stability in a rather turbulent West Africa.

President @NAkufoAddo and Opposition Leader @JDMahama signing the Presidential Elections Peace Pact

InFocus

A billboard for incumbent President Nana Akufo-Addo in Accra.

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