Election Watch Ghana has formally petitioned the Electoral Commission (EC) of Ghana regarding the procurement procedures for printing ballot papers and notices of polls related to the impending 2024 general elections. The group has articulated concerns about a potential conflict of interest involving the EC’s choice of contractors, specifically Assembly Press and Buck Press, both of which allegedly have ties to the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) government. These ties raise significant questions surrounding the impartiality and integrity of the procurement process, leading Election Watch Ghana to seek accountability and transparency from the electoral body.
In their petition, Election Watch Ghana outlined specific information they require from the EC concerning the tendering process. They have requested details about when and how the printing contracts were advertised, including the date and medium of publication. Furthermore, the group has expressed interest in dissecting the competitive bidding landscape by asking for the names, addresses, and contact details of other companies that submitted bids. They are also seeking business registration documentation and evidence of relevant experience in similar projects to ensure that the bidding process was open and fair.
Beyond basic procurement data, the petition delves deeper into the selection methodology used by the EC. Election Watch Ghana is demanding clarity on the criteria that were applied in choosing the successful bidders, which includes an understanding of the evaluation methodology employed by the EC, the weighting of various criteria, and the overall scoring system used for assessment. This request is central to ensuring that the best candidates were selected based on merit and that the process was not swayed by favoritism or other irregularities.
Moreover, the group is calling for an in-depth investigation into the potential conflicts of interest concerning Assembly Press and Buck Press. They have demanded the release of any investigation reports, findings, recommendations, and subsequent actions taken by the EC. This component of the petition underscores the necessity for an independent oversight process that fosters public confidence in the electoral system, especially given the critical nature of the services involved in facilitating free and fair elections.
Citing Section 18 of the Right to Information Act, Election Watch Ghana has asserted that citizens have a fundamental right to access information pertinent to the electoral process, calling it essential for promoting transparency and accountability. The group has set forth an expectation for a response from the EC within the legally mandated 14-day timeframe. They have made it clear that failure to provide the requested information could lead them to escalate their appeal to the Information Commission, as specified in Section 29 of the Right to Information Act.
In conclusion, the actions taken by Election Watch Ghana represent a crucial engagement in ensuring that the upcoming elections are conducted in a manner that is both transparent and fair. By formally seeking detailed information about the procurement process and demanding the investigation of potential conflicts of interest, the group is taking a proactive stance in safeguarding the integrity of the electoral process in Ghana. Their efforts highlight the importance of citizen participation in monitoring governmental processes and underscore the critical role of transparency in fostering public trust in democratic institutions.
