The Centre for Public Opinion and Awareness (CenPOA) has opined that the current Electoral Commissioner and deputies may suffer the same fate former Chair Charlotte Osei suffered when the New Patriotic Party (NPP) took over in 2017.
The Civil Society Organisation argued that the ongoing acrimony between the EC and some opposition political parties, particularly the National Democratic Congress (NDC), is unhealthy for our electoral processes.
Michael Donyina Mensah, Executive Director of CenPOA, said the EC has in recent times failed to demonstrate fairness, transparency, and credibility in the discharge of its duties.
The EC faces significant challenges in collaborating with stakeholders, as it defends itself against concerns raised by political parties regarding certain activities.
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.
“Frankly, you can forecast that due to the acrimony between the EC and some opposition parties, particularly the NDC, I don’t think when the NDC wins power, the EC will be safe because there is that acrimony.”
He has recommended new reforms to modify the processes involved in appointing the president of the EC and deputies so that they do not appear political.
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.
“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.”
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
