The Electoral Commission of Ghana extended heartfelt gratitude to its dedicated staff nationwide, acknowledging their tireless efforts in ensuring successful, peaceful, and credible elections. From headquarters to regional and district offices, the Commission recognized the commitment of all staff members, both permanent and temporary, emphasizing their crucial role in upholding electoral integrity. The Commission particularly lauded the returning officers, collation officers, presiding officers, name reference officers, and all polling officials, whose collective work forms the backbone of the electoral process. Their dedication and hard work were deemed instrumental in achieving the Commission’s goals of conducting elections that truly reflect the will of the people. The Commission underscored the importance of the upcoming stages of the electoral process, from Election Day through the declaration of results and the subsequent days.
The Commission called upon its staff to execute their duties with excellence, transparency, and peace, echoing the values enshrined in its motto: Transparency, Fairness, and Integrity. Staff members were reminded of the immense responsibility they bear in conducting elections that are orderly, credible, and reflective of the popular vote. They were urged to uphold professionalism, maintain impartiality, and adhere to established procedures, including the wearing of gloves during vote counting and the posting of pink sheets at all polling stations. Accuracy in vote counting and meticulous completion of forms were underscored as paramount to ensuring the integrity and credibility of the electoral outcome.
The Commission emphasized the critical role of presiding officers, whose work at polling stations, culminating in the pink sheets, ultimately determines the election results. These officials were called upon to act with integrity and truth, guided by a strong moral compass and a sense of accountability to God. The Commission stressed that everyone involved in the electoral process, from staff to commissioners, will be held answerable for their actions, both in the present and in the hereafter. This emphasis on ethical conduct underscores the Commission’s commitment to ensuring that the electoral process is not only transparent but also morally sound.
Reiterating its impartial role, the Commission emphasized that its mandate is not to predetermine the outcome of the elections, whether for presidential or parliamentary positions. Their sole responsibility, and that of their staff, is to facilitate a fair and credible electoral process. This neutrality underscores the Commission’s commitment to ensuring a level playing field for all contestants and upholding the democratic principles of free and fair elections. The focus on process rather than outcome reinforces the idea that the Commission’s role is to ensure the integrity of the system, not to manipulate the results.
The Commission expressed confidence in its team’s ability to deliver free, fair, credible, and transparent elections, reflecting the will of the people. They placed their trust in their staff to ensure every vote counts, preventing valid votes from being incorrectly classified as rejected ballots. This trust, coupled with the emphasis on accuracy and integrity, highlights the Commission’s commitment to ensuring that every citizen’s voice is heard and respected. The focus on preventing valid votes from being discarded underscores the Commission’s dedication to maximizing voter participation and ensuring that the electoral outcome accurately reflects the will of the electorate.
Finally, the Commission announced its intention to conduct a comprehensive internal assessment after the elections to evaluate the performance of each individual involved. This assessment will serve as a benchmark for future elections and ensure continuous improvement in the electoral process. The Commission wished its field officers safe travels and divine protection as they traversed the country, carrying out their crucial duties. This concluding message of appreciation and well-wishing underscores the Commission’s recognition of the sacrifices and dedication of its staff, particularly those working in the field. The Commission’s commitment to both accountability and support further reinforces its dedication to fostering a strong and effective electoral system.
