Jean Mensa, the Chairperson of the Electoral Commission (EC) of Ghana, has affirmed her commitment to maintaining fairness and transparency in the upcoming elections. During a recent meeting with a delegation led by former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan from the West African Elders Forum (WAEF), Mensa emphasized the EC’s dedication to providing a level playing field for all political parties. She reassured the public and the development community that the Commission would engage with political entities frequently and would create avenues for addressing any concerns in accordance with constitutional and electoral regulations. This commitment to uphold democratic processes is pivotal as the country prepares for the 2024 elections.
Mensa highlighted the EC’s unwavering resolve to be an independent body that adheres strictly to legal norms, which she believes is essential to preserving peace before, during, and after elections. She noted that the Commission’s recent activities exemplify its transparency and readiness to execute peaceful elections. Her confidence in the electoral processes was reflected as she stated, “Over the last few months, we have shown that our processes are transparent and robust to undertake peaceful elections, and we are ready.” This assurance is particularly important as the EC continues to finalize preparations for the elections, focusing on various critical elements such as voters’ registration and the process for declaring election results.
The discussions during the courtesy call covered the EC’s preparedness and included feedback about various stakeholders’ concerns regarding the electoral processes. In response, Goodluck Jonathan commended the EC for its openness and commitment. He stated that the feedback gathered during their meetings with other stakeholders had been duly presented to the Commission. Jonathan expressed satisfaction with the EC’s responses, reinforcing a sense of confidence in their capabilities and intentions. His remarks resonate with the idea that the success of elections largely depends on the efficiency of the electoral management body as well as the security apparatus in place to support the electoral process.
Jonathan underscored the importance of maintaining a peaceful electoral atmosphere and pointed out that while citizen engagement is crucial, the roles of the EC and security agencies are central to facilitating a smooth election. His observations reflect the belief that a well-coordinated effort among these institutions is necessary to achieve a successful electoral event, and he noted Ghana’s commendable track record of peaceful elections in the past. The former president’s sentiments serve to uplift the expectation that Ghana should hold true to its democratic principles, further enhancing its reputation in the West African region.
Additionally, Jonathan expressed optimism about Ghana’s democratic journey, asserting that the nation has repeatedly been recognized for its adherence to democratic practices. He urged the country not to falter in its efforts, emphasizing that its commitment to democracy extends beyond its borders, impacting the broader West African and African context. This call to uphold democratic values reiterates the challenge and responsibility that lies with both the EC and the state in ensuring that the upcoming elections not only meet local standards but also set a benchmark for neighboring countries to emulate.
In summary, the engagement between the EC and the WAEF delegation illustrates the converging efforts to secure a successful electoral process in Ghana. As the EC strives to implement transparent electoral practices and engage with stakeholders, the influence of experienced international actors like Jonathan adds credibility to its operations. Together, these elements foster a nurturing environment for Ghana’s democracy, encouraging it to continue being a guiding light for the African continent in terms of election management and governance principles.
