The European Union Election Observation Mission Ghana’s report on the 2020 presidential and parliamentary elections has bemoaned the low representation of women in the just ended exercise.
In their report, the RU identified the lack of financial resources and the perceived traditional roles of women as the major reasons that contribute to the challenge.
It indicated that the two main parties i.e New Patriotic Party and National Democratic Congress (NDC) fielded only 24 and 22 women respectively in the parliamentary elections.
”Women are significantly underrepresented in political life: the New Patriotic Party (NPP) fielded only 24 female candidates while the NDC ran with just 22 in 275 constituencies. Perceived traditional roles of women, and, often, a lack of financial resources, contribute to the problem.”
It further described the polls as competitive and candidates were allowed to campaign without hindrance.
”The elections were competitive, and contestants could campaign without hindrance. A few isolated violent incidents occurred, and numerous stakeholders expressed deep apprehensions about the possible use of vigilante groups by political parties. Unregulated political finance, misuse of state resources, and numerous instances of vote-buying resulted in an unlevel playing field. Ghana’s vibrant and diverse media sector provided voters with sufficient information on both major competing parties and their candidates.
However, state media favoured the ruling party and its presidential candidate who received extensive coverage at government inaugurations. The main opposition party frequently expressed a lack of confidence in the Electoral Commission, accusing it of partisanship and criticising the timing of the new voter registration exercise, so close to elections and during a pandemic. However, the process was inclusive and resulted in a high number of registered voters, and the quality of the register was positively tested on election day.”
By: Rainbowradioonline.com
