The 2024 Ghanaian general elections witnessed a historically low voter turnout of 60%, a stark indicator of declining public trust in the country’s democratic processes. The Anchoring Democracy Advocacy Movement Ghana (ADAM-GH), a civil society organization, attributes this apathy to widespread apprehensions regarding election rigging and a pervasive mistrust of the Electoral Commission (EC), especially its chairperson, Jean Mensah. ADAM-GH argues that the perceived bias of the EC and its inconsistent application of electoral laws created an environment of fear and uncertainty, deterring many eligible voters from participating in the democratic process. This sentiment of distrust, they contend, was exacerbated by various electoral irregularities, including instances of re-collation and re-declaration of parliamentary results under questionable circumstances.
ADAM-GH’s central argument revolves around the EC’s alleged departure from neutrality and its perceived favoritism towards certain political interests. The organization alleges that the EC, under Jean Mensah’s leadership, has consistently disregarded its own rules and regulations, especially when adherence to those rules appeared to disadvantage specific political factions. This perceived bias, according to ADAM-GH, fostered an atmosphere of suspicion and undermined public confidence in the integrity of the electoral process. The organization cites specific incidents where the EC’s actions appeared to contravene established procedures, further fueling public distrust. The cumulative effect of these perceived irregularities, compounded by the lack of transparency and accountability, created a sense of disillusionment among the electorate, leading to the historically low voter turnout.
The organization further criticizes the EC’s handling of post-election disputes, particularly its approach to re-collation and re-declaration of results in certain constituencies. ADAM-GH highlights instances where the EC allegedly proceeded with these processes despite the existence of stay of execution orders, and without the presence of representatives from all political parties. This disregard for legal processes and the exclusion of key stakeholders, according to ADAM-GH, further eroded public trust and contributed to the perception of a manipulated electoral outcome. The organization argues that such actions not only undermine the credibility of the election results but also set a dangerous precedent for future elections, potentially jeopardizing the stability of Ghana’s democratic institutions.
In response to these concerns, ADAM-GH has issued a series of recommendations aimed at restoring public trust in the electoral process and safeguarding Ghana’s democratic future. The organization calls for the resignation of the current EC leadership, arguing that a change in leadership is essential to rebuild public confidence. They advocate for the appointment of a new, neutral body capable of impartially administering elections and upholding the principles of fairness and transparency. Furthermore, ADAM-GH urges Parliament to review the processes for appointing EC officials, aiming to establish a more robust and independent selection mechanism that ensures the integrity and impartiality of the commission. This, they believe, will contribute to creating a more level playing field for all political actors and enhance public trust in the electoral system.
ADAM-GH emphasizes the urgency of these reforms, warning that the continued erosion of public trust could have dire consequences for Ghana’s democracy. They argue that if the current trend of declining voter participation continues, it could lead to a scenario where citizens completely disengage from the electoral process, effectively undermining the foundations of democratic governance. The organization stresses the importance of restoring public confidence in the electoral system to ensure the legitimacy and stability of future elections. They believe that a comprehensive overhaul of the electoral process, including reforms to the EC’s structure and appointment procedures, is crucial for safeguarding Ghana’s democratic future.
In conclusion, ADAM-GH paints a concerning picture of declining public trust in Ghana’s electoral system, attributing the low voter turnout in the 2024 elections to perceived bias and irregularities on the part of the EC. The organization’s call for reforms, including the resignation of the current EC leadership and a review of appointment procedures, underscores the urgency of addressing these concerns to restore public confidence and ensure the long-term health of Ghana’s democracy. The future of Ghana’s democratic trajectory hinges on the implementation of meaningful reforms that address the root causes of public distrust and ensure the integrity and transparency of future elections. The low voter turnout serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of democratic institutions and the importance of continuous efforts to strengthen and protect them.
