The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has urged the Electoral Commission (EC) to prioritize transparency in its interactions with political parties and voters ahead of the upcoming December elections.
Deputy General Secretary of the NDC, Mustapha Gbande, emphasized the importance of building trust during elections, noting that any actions that may erode trust should be eliminated. In a recent interview with JoyNews, Gbande emphasized the need for transparency to ensure a credible electoral process.
The NDC’s call for transparency comes after the EC reversed its decision to prevent political party agents from observing the transfer of votes exercise. This decision was made following concerns raised by stakeholders and internal discussions within the EC.
Gbande welcomed the EC’s decision to allow political party agents to observe the transfer of votes exercise but also stressed the need for the electoral body to address concerns that could potentially increase mistrust among voters. He highlighted the issue of missing equipment at some EC offices, which could further contribute to a lack of trust in the electoral process.
The EC initially issued a directive to its Regional Directors instructing them to prevent political party agents from observing the votes transfer exercise due to clashes that had occurred at district offices. However, the NDC advised its agents to disregard this directive, citing concerns about potential gerrymandering through unlawful voter transfers.
Following resistance from the NDC, the EC decided to reconsider its decision, with Director of Electoral Services, Dr. Serebour Quaicoe, emphasizing the importance of stakeholder comfort in the electoral process.
In conclusion, the NDC’s advocacy for transparency and the EC’s responsiveness to stakeholder concerns reflect the ongoing efforts to ensure a free and fair electoral process in Ghana. It is essential for all parties involved to work together to uphold the integrity of the democratic process.
