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THE WHITE HOUSE

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release December 11, 1996

STATEMENT BY THE PRESS SECRETARY

The United States applauds the Ghanaian people, the National Electoral Commission, the government, and all political parties on the conduct of free and fair presidential and legislative elections in Ghana on December 7. We congratulate President Rawlings on his re-election and all those elected to parliament.

The United States commends the parties and the people of Ghana for their respect for the rule of law and the authority of the Ghanaian constitution. The turnout was large, and voting was orderly throughout the country. The broad and diverse participation in the election demonstrates the strong commitment of the people of Ghana to the principals of democracy. The United States looks forward to working with the newly elected government to continue to advance democracy, development and peace in Ghana and throughout Africa.

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