Michael Donyina Mensah, Executive Director of the Centre for Public Opinion and Awareness (CenPOA), has emphasised the importance of significant reforms to the appointment process for the Electoral Commissioner and deputies.
He pointed out that it has been the norm for the government in power to always jump to the defence of the EC, even if it has not demonstrated commitment to ensuring transparency in its work.
He stated that the EC has recently been on a rollercoaster ride with the opposition parties, refusing to find sense in some of the ideas they have made to them.
Michael Donyina Mensah, speaking on Frontline on Rainbow Radio 87.5FM, was worried this could create more tension and mistrust between the EC and its stakeholders.
He has therefore proposed new reforms that will change the processes involved in the appointment of the head of the EC.
“We should have new reforms that will guide us in the future on how the Electoral Commissioner is appointed. The perception the opposition has about the EC and the allegations of the government always being in bed with the EC was not experienced that much under former EC Chair Afari Gyan because he cut across various governments that came into office.
However, in recent times, you can easily forecast that due to the acrimony between the EC and some political parties or the opposition NDC, I am not sure the current EC will be safe when it is in power because of that acrimony. That is why it would be important for us to appoint someone who would be able to manage the EC such that it would not be a political appointment, as we have witnessed in recent times.”
The individual suggested a review of our laws to objectively appoint the EC boss and the deputies.
For him, that should be the foundation for everything since it will allow our institutions to be effective, strong, and independent.
“But since we are not there yet, we have to indulge in the conscience and morality of those in power to do what is right.”
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
