CODEO Observers Report Delays In Polling Stations and Violation of Voting Procedures

CODEO observers have reported significant delays in the opening of polling stations across Ghana. As of 6:00 AM, observers noted that election officials were present in only 85% of polling stations, while 12% had no officials present, and 3% of observers arrived after officials had already opened the stations.

Speaking at a press briefing, Rev. Fred Deegbe, Co-chair of CODEO says by 7:15 AM, only 66% of polling stations were open, with 31% experiencing slight delays between 7:16 AM and 8:00 AM due to late-arriving staff or missing electoral materials. A further 4% of stations opened between 8:01 AM and 10:00 AM, while a mere 1% opened after 10:00 AM.

Regional breakdowns revealed that the Northern Region had the highest percentage of polling stations opening after 7:50 AM, at 52%. Other regions with significant delays included the North East (49%), Greater Accra (47%), and Eastern (42%) regions.

CODEO reported that the voting process has been generally smooth, despite some minor incidents. According to CODEO observers, 74% of polling stations had the expected number of biometric devices, while 26% had only one device.

Rev. Deegbe noted that voter registers were made available at all polling stations, and ballot booklets and serial numbers were in numeric order before voting started. Observers also confirmed that all presidential and parliamentary ballot boxes were empty, sealed, and in plain view.

Security personnel were present at 98% of polling stations, with 78% of them being unarmed. However, 20% of polling stations had armed security personnel.

Despite the smooth voting process, CODEO observers reported some incidents, including intimidation or harassment (14 incidents), violence (30 incidents), violation of voting procedures (18 incidents), and vote-buying (3 incidents).

Overall, CODEO observers have commended the Electoral Commission of Ghana for its efforts in ensuring a peaceful and transparent voting process.

Source: Bernard K Dadzie; Greater Accra Region