The Coalition of Domestic Election Observers (CODEO) has delivered a positive preliminary assessment of Ghana’s 2024 presidential and parliamentary elections, commending the Electoral Commission (EC) for its overall management of the electoral process. In a press briefing held on December 8th, CODEO described the EC’s arrangements as “generally adequate and credible,” highlighting the adherence to established electoral laws and procedures throughout the voting process, from the initial setup of polling stations to the final ballot counting. This positive assessment reinforces the perception of a well-organized and transparent election, contributing to public trust in the democratic process. CODEO’s preliminary statement sets the stage for a more detailed analysis, promising further insights into the conduct and outcome of the elections.
CODEO’s assessment was based on the observations of its extensive network of 4,000 trained observers deployed across all 276 constituencies of Ghana. These observers provided real-time reports from the ground, confirming the availability of essential election materials, the proper setup of polling stations, and the presence of security personnel at the vast majority of locations. Crucially, observers also verified the integrity of the ballot boxes, noting that they were empty and transparently sealed before the commencement of voting. This meticulous observation process, covering all stages of the election, lends significant weight to CODEO’s positive assessment. The widespread presence of observers served as a deterrent against potential irregularities and contributed to the overall transparency and credibility of the electoral process.
While commending the EC’s performance, CODEO acknowledged the occurrence of isolated incidents of delays and logistical challenges, including the late arrival of polling officials at some polling stations. However, the coalition emphasized that these isolated incidents did not compromise the overall integrity of the electoral process. This acknowledgment of minor issues, coupled with the assertion that they did not significantly impact the overall fairness of the election, reflects a balanced and nuanced assessment. CODEO’s approach underscores their commitment to providing a comprehensive and objective overview of the electoral process, acknowledging both successes and areas requiring improvement.
CODEO’s preliminary statement attributed the peaceful and successful conduct of the polls to the collective efforts of all stakeholders involved. The coalition specifically lauded the EC for its effective organization and management, the Election Security Task Force for maintaining peace and order, the political parties for their responsible conduct, and the Ghanaian electorate for their active and peaceful participation in the democratic process. This acknowledgment of the collective responsibility for the success of the election underscores the importance of collaboration and shared commitment to democratic principles. It highlights the crucial role played by all involved parties in ensuring a free, fair, and credible election.
In its commitment to providing a comprehensive analysis of the election results, CODEO pledged to release its Parallel Vote Tabulation (PVT) estimates following the official announcement of the election results by the EC. The PVT, an internationally recognized methodology for independently verifying election results, will provide an additional layer of scrutiny and contribute to ensuring the accuracy and transparency of the final outcome. This independent verification adds an important element of accountability to the electoral process, enhancing public trust and confidence in the declared results.
CODEO’s preliminary statement provides a positive overview of the 2024 Ghanaian elections, highlighting the effective management by the EC and the overall adherence to electoral procedures. While acknowledging minor logistical challenges, the coalition affirmed that these did not compromise the integrity of the electoral process. The comprehensive observation process, coupled with the forthcoming PVT estimates, underscores CODEO’s commitment to providing a thorough and independent assessment of the elections, contributing significantly to the transparency and credibility of Ghana’s democratic process. This preliminary report sets the stage for a more detailed analysis, further enhancing public trust and confidence in the final election outcome.
