A coalition of civil society organisations (CSOs) that were refused accreditation to observe the 2024 general elections has slammed the Electoral Commission, saying the action was a threat to Ghana’s democratic integrity.
At a press conference held on Wednesday, December 4, 202, the group, made up of over 20 organisations including the Centre for Conflict Resolution-Ghana (CENCOR), the Jatikay Centre for Human Security and Peace Building, the Human Security Research Centre Ghana (HSRCGh), and the FESF Foundation, declared their intention to observe the elections even without accreditation.
Convener of Election Watch Ghana, Jude Balma, posited that allowing the CSOs to observe the elections will ensure the transparency and credibility of the elections.
“The refusal of accreditation will not stop us from performing our constitutional duties. We are committed to ensuring transparency and accountability in this election process,” he declared.
He served notice that they will observe the elections, and nobody in this country can stop them, alleging further that the EC Chairperson is being influenced by some powerful hands to deny them and the other CSOs accreditation.
Jude Balma said the EC officials are occupants of the office and must act in accordance with the laws and interests of the people.
Nobody can stop us from observing the elections. We are going to observe it, we are going to tabulate the results, and we are going to announce the results,’’ he added.
He further alleged that there were attempts by the EC to manipulate the results, but these attempts would not be fruitful.
On his part, Abdul Razak Nuhu, Executive Director of TIDA, said the refusal by the EC to grant them the accreditation creates a vacuum of accountability and raises doubts about the fairness of the electoral process.
He also claimed that denying CSOs their right to observe elections threatens the principles of inclusivity and transparency that form the bedrock of Ghana’s democracy, adding that this unilateral and unlawful decision signals an alarming departure from democratic norms.
‘’In the absence of independent observers, the potential for disputes, irregularities, and even violence escalates. CSOs play a vital role in preventing tensions through real-time reporting and mediation. The decision tarnishes Ghana’s reputation as a beacon of democracy in Africa. The international community is watching, and this lack of transparency could attract criticism and damage our standing globally.
The CSOs have therefore demanded that the EC rescind its decision and grant immediate accreditation to the affected CSOs that have applied to observe the elections and provide justification for the reasons for refusing them the accreditation.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
