The Executive Director of Care Ghana and Convenor of the Coalition of CSOs for Transparent Elections, Mr. David Kumi Addo, has provided key insights into the coalition’s election monitoring initiatives aimed at fostering transparency and public confidence in Ghana’s electoral process.
Speaking at a press briefing, Mr. Addo detailed the coalition’s efforts to monitor the elections across all 16 regions, with a focus on transparency at every stage of the electoral process.
Key Initiatives
1. Real-Time Results Display:
LED screens in Accra and Kumasi showcased real-time certified results from the Electoral Commission (EC), enhancing public access to accurate information.
2. Innovative App Deployment:
A user-friendly app enabled the public to access verified EC results and report observations, promoting inclusivity and transparency.
3. Transparency as a Trust Builder:
The coalition emphasized that transparency is essential to counter rumors and boost public trust in the EC’s credibility.
Despite efforts to ensure peaceful elections, the coalition highlighted several issues that undermined the process:
Election-Related Violence:
Four lives were lost in incidents at Kasoa, Talon (Northern Region), and Seni East, raising concerns about violence during elections.
Logistical Delays:
Delayed delivery of pink sheets and ballot boxes created suspicion and tension among voters and party agents.
Security Concerns:
Contrary to assurances by the Inspector General of Police (IGP), reports of military involvement in election activities led to concerns about undue influence and intimidation.
Ballot Tampering and Transport Irregularities:
Instances of ballot box tampering and the unaccompanied transportation of election materials heightened mistrust.
Recommendations
The coalition offered several recommendations to address these challenges and improve future elections:
1. Staff Training and Logistics:
The EC was urged to improve staff training and ensure the timely delivery of election materials to prevent unnecessary delays.
2. Collaboration for Transparency:
Strengthened collaboration among party agents, EC officials, and security personnel was recommended to foster trust and transparency.
3. Non-Violent Dispute Resolution:
The coalition called for peaceful engagement and non-violent approaches to resolving disputes to prevent further loss of lives.
Conclusion
Mr. Addo reiterated the importance of transparency and public involvement in ensuring credible elections and reducing post-election conflicts. He stressed that these measures are critical for safeguarding Ghana’s democratic integrity.
