On October 17, Deputy Chairperson of the Electoral Commission (EC) Dr. Bossman Asare presented a strong commitment to ensuring that the 2024 General Election in Ghana will stand out as the best in the country’s fourth republic. Addressing an audience during the launch of the Election Day and Post-Election Action Plan organized by the Coalition of Domestic Election Observers (CODEO), he articulated the EC’s intention to build upon the successes and methodologies implemented during the 2020 elections. Dr. Asare emphasized that the commission is eager to construct a framework for the upcoming election that is not only successful but also peaceful and inclusive, prioritizing the integrity of the electoral process.
The Deputy Chairperson highlighted that in comparison to the previous elections, the EC has taken significant steps to enhance its operational infrastructure and processes. He reassured attendees that the measures the commission executed in the last election have been reinforced and expanded. This development reflects a profound confidence in the EC’s capability to effectively manage the electoral cycle. In a show of transparency and accountability, Dr. Asare referenced the positive feedback received from international observers, including the European Union, which awarded the EC a commendable 95% rating for their performance during the 2020 polls.
Moreover, Dr. Asare reported on the progress made in the current voter registration initiatives aimed at ensuring broad participation in the upcoming elections. He noted that the Commission has made it a priority to ensure that eligible citizens are actively registered to exercise their voting rights. This proactive engagement is crucial to fostering an inclusive electoral process where diverse voices can contribute to Ghana’s democracy. He further indicated that the voter registration exercise is aligning systematically with the broader goals of ensuring an effective electoral framework.
In terms of logistics, the EC has planned the establishment of 40,975 polling stations nationwide, which would facilitate the voting process. Of these, 328 stations will specifically operate as special voting centers scheduled for December 2, indicating a strategic approach toward managing voter turnout and ensuring smooth election day operations. It is important to ensure that all logistical concerns are addressed well ahead of time to facilitate efficient voting, which is vital for public trust in the electoral process.
Additionally, CODEO announced plans to deploy approximately 4,000 observers to various locations across the country on December 7, the designated election day. This step reinforces the commitment to transparency and accountability during the elections, whereby the presence of domestic observers can assist in monitoring the electoral process, ensuring it adheres to the established legal and ethical standards. Their role in gathering and disseminating information about the election is integral in fostering a climate of trust among the electorate.
In conclusion, the collective efforts of the EC and CODEO signal an earnest endeavor to improve upon past electoral experiences. With a clear focus on transparency, inclusiveness, and peace, the 2024 General Election is positioned to serve as a significant milestone in Ghana’s democratic journey. The commitment demonstrated by the electoral bodies and organizations like CODEO fosters high expectations for a robust electoral process characterized by credible outcomes, ultimately contributing to the strengthening of democratic governance in the country.
