The Centre for Public Opinion and Awareness (CenPOA), a civil society body, has expressed concern about the Electoral Commission’s (EC) recent conduct.
It believes the electoral body, which is mandated by the constitution to manage our electoral processes, is suffering from a credibility crisis.
Michael Donyina Mensah, Executive Director of CenPOA, stated that the EC has not exhibited credibility in recent times.
He argued that some activities of the EC have raised concerns among some of its stakeholders, and it ought to put its house in order to ensure the credibility and sanctity of our general elections in 2024 and beyond.
Speaking on Frontline on Rainbow Radio 87.5FM, he noted that the ongoing limited registration exercise has been characterised by challenges that have slowed the process.
He stated that internet problems, defective equipment, and other technical concerns are basic issues that should not have occurred.
He said these are challenges that have always affected our electoral activities and should have been addressed, not repeated.
“There are allegations that some constituencies and regions have experienced smooth organisation of the registration exercise, whereas others are encountering challenges. We cannot attribute any ill motive to these allegations or challenges, but we believe the EC must come out to clarify so we know what is going on.”
He told host Kwabena Agyapong that “there is a lot of suspicion between the EC and its stakeholders, including political parties. The EC appears not to accept any suggestions or recommendations from its stakeholders. They are not open to ideas and criticism. They are always on the defensive. I also feel that the EC is working for us (Ghanaians), and so they have a responsibility to accept suggestions, and opinions from people.
The EC is currently suffering from a credibility crisis. Let me cite one example: in the 2020 elections, the EC reported results with errors. It later corrected the error-ridden results. This was a big indictment on the EC because it ought to have double- or triple-checked the results before declaring or announcing them.
We also thought what happened was one thing. However, in the ongoing limited registration exercise, surprisingly, the data released by the EC on the number of persons registered so far is full of errors. With all these challenges, what assurance is the EC giving Ghanaians that they will ensure credible, transparent, free, and fair elections? Are they sure they will announce accurate results after the 2024 general elections?”
He has therefore underscored the need for the EC to address all the challenges in collaboration with all stakeholders, ensuring that there would be no dispute over their work.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
