Civil society organizations are urging the Electoral Commission (EC) to reflect on its recent actions to ensure that the principles of integrity, transparency, fairness, and trust are upheld in the 2024 elections.
The outright rejection of the recent decision by the Electoral Commission to prevent political party agents from observing the ongoing voter transfer exercise is unnecessary. It only reinforces the public perception that the EC is biased towards the ruling NPP government.
During a press conference, Richard Kasu, the Executive Director of Community Focus Foundation Ghana (CFF-GHANA), expressed concern about the misconduct of EC officials during the Kumawu by-election and the alleged use of NPP executives as Presiding Officers in the recent Ejisu by-election. These incidents raise doubts about the neutrality of the commission as an electoral arbiter.
Kasu emphasized that these allegations are damaging the reputation of the Chairperson and the entire commission. He urged the commission to address these concerns to regain the trust of the Ghanaian people.
Kasu also called on the government, electoral stakeholders, and development partners, especially the European Union (EU), to pay attention to warning signs leading up to the Ghanaian elections to ensure they are free and fair.
Felix Best Agorvor, the Coordinator for Democratic Credential Network, emphasized the importance of conducting the 2024 general election with freedom, fairness, and transparency. He urged the commission to implement decisions made at IPAC meetings by various political parties.
Agorvor also stressed the need for the Electoral Commission to engage with the press regularly to keep Ghanaians informed about its activities. This transparency is crucial in dispelling doubts about the commission’s impartiality and its alleged support for the NPP in breaking the 8-year political cycle in Ghana.
“Elections are not war where someone goes to the battlefield and therefore constant engagement with key stakeholders(Political parties) will help reduce tension for peace to prevail before, during and after every elections,” he said.
Source:Oyerepafmonline.com/Bernard K Dadzie
