The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has launched a vehement attack on the Electoral Commission (EC) of Ghana, raising significant concerns about its capacity to manage the electoral process with integrity. This criticism intensified following the EC’s decision to disqualify Joana Gyan Cudjoe, the NDC’s parliamentary candidate for Amenfi Central. At a press conference on October 17, NDC General Secretary Fifi Fiavi Kwetey voiced his frustration, asserting that the EC is fundamentally unfit to oversee the nation’s democracy. He cited the disqualification as part of a worrisome trend in the EC’s conduct, particularly referring to previous incidents such as the controversial SALL case, and accused the Commission of employing legal loopholes and administrative tactics rather than genuine electoral processes to sway election results.
Kwetey’s statements reflect a broader theory that the EC may be intentionally attempting to manipulate the electoral outcome. He criticized the Commission for not acting in a manner that upholds democratic integrity and instead suggested that the EC’s actions signify a hazardous intention to rig elections through sophisticated legal strategies rather than the will of voters. “The people of Ghana must not be fooled,” he stated emphatically, indicating that if the NDC’s current struggle against the EC’s decisions doesn’t prevail, it could lead to more extensive ramifications for voters’ rights and representation in future elections.
The NDC General Secretary further condemned the EC for what he referred to as its failure to properly confirm the status of an injunction related to Cudjoe’s disqualification. He characterized this lapse as a severe violation of due process, labeling it a display of “bad faith” on the part of the EC. Kwetey emphasized that the Electoral Commission not only disqualified Cudjoe before addressing the validity of the injunction but also demonstrated a surprising haste to execute their decision. The issuance of the disqualification letter on October 10—well ahead of any inquiry into the injunction’s status—was presented as an alarming indicator of the EC’s motivations and reliability.
Moreover, Kwetey highlighted that it wasn’t until October 16 that the EC sought clarification from the Sekondi High Court concerning the injunction on Joana Gyan Cudjoe’s candidacy. This delayed response was characterized as a desperate attempt to lend legitimacy to what Kwetey believes was an already unlawful decision. By pointing out these procedural failings, Kwetey intended to showcase not just a single instance of alleged misconduct but rather a disturbing pattern that undermines confidence in the EC’s impartiality.
The broader implications of the NDC’s criticisms stress the necessity for a transparent electoral process in Ghana, especially as the 2024 general elections draw near. The party positions itself as a defender of democracy, advocating for the rights of candidates and the electorate alike. The disqualification case exemplifies the tensions and distrust brewing between political entities and the state apparatus responsible for ensuring the fairness of elections. Kwetey’s comments reflect a sentiment among many within the NDC that the EC’s actions are not merely administrative decisions, but rather politically motivated maneuvers that can have severe consequences for Ghana’s democratic trajectory.
In conclusion, the intense debate around the EC’s role, highlighted by the NDC’s recent criticisms, underscores the enduring concerns surrounding electoral integrity in Ghana. As the political climate heats up in anticipation of elections, the actions of the EC will likely remain under scrutiny. The NDC’s accusations regarding the disqualification of Joana Gyan Cudjoe serve as a stark reminder of the vital importance of due process and fair play in the electoral arena. It remains to be seen how these allegations will affect public perception of the EC and the overall conduct of the upcoming elections, making it a critical period for both the NDC and the future of democratic governance in Ghana.
