In the lead-up to the December 7 general elections, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has raised significant concerns regarding the potential appointment of partisan polling officials by the Electoral Commission (EC). The NDC believes that the integrity of the electoral process is at stake, as the selection of election day officials can heavily influence the outcome. The party’s apprehensions stem from a recent warning issued by its watchdog group, which intends to cross-reference the list of electoral officials released by the EC with known delegates from the National Patriotic Party (NPP). This precautionary measure reflects their commitment to ensuring that election officials retain a non-partisan stance, especially in light of previous incidents where NPP polling station executives had reportedly served as EC officials during the recent Ejisu by-election.
Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, the Director of Elections and IT for the NDC, issued a statement on November 26, 2024, underscoring the need for a transparent appointment process under the election monitoring initiative branded with the hashtag #EAGLEEYES. This initiative references Regulation 19(6) of CI127, which requires the EC to publicly disclose the names of appointed election officials. The NDC stresses the necessity of performing thorough preemptive checks on these names to avoid any undue partisan influences on election day, further emphasizing that the integrity of the forthcoming elections relies on the impartiality of officials involved in the voting process.
Highlighting the urgency of the situation, the NDC has taken proactive steps by already obtaining a list of NPP delegates to compare with the names released by the EC. This initiative aims to identify instances of potential bias before election day and ensure a fair and objective electoral process. The NDC has called on all electoral officials to uphold professionalism and remain non-partisan, asserting that the success of the democratic process hinges on these ideals. Their stance underlines the importance of public trust in the integrity of the election, as partisan activities could severely compromise the legitimacy of the election outcomes.
Despite the proximity of the elections, the NDC’s watchdog group expressed disappointment over the EC’s delay in releasing the list of appointed polling officials. This delay has raised concerns about the potential for last-minute changes that could obstruct their efforts to eliminate potential partisan influences in the electoral process. The urgency of the situation is emphasized by the NDC’s cautionary statement that “time no dey,” signifying that any further delays could impede their vigilance and preparations. The emphasis on timely disclosures underscores the party’s strategic approach to ensuring that all electoral integrity protocols are adhered to prior to election day.
In addition to addressing electoral integrity, the NDC’s public statements serve to rally support for its presidential candidate, John Dramani Mahama. The NDC aims to connect Mahama’s vision for governance with broader economic promises that resonate with voters, including the proposed “24-hour economy initiative.” This initiative, which promises to create well-paying jobs, is positioned as a core component of Mahama’s campaign, reinforcing the party’s message that effective leadership is crucial to driving economic progress and stability in the country.
As the December elections approach, the NDC’s focus on ensuring a transparent and equitable electoral process is paramount. By actively monitoring the EC’s appointments of polling officials and urging the public to remain engaged, the NDC seeks to uphold the principles of democracy in Ghana. Their commitment to preventing partisan bias in the electoral process is indicative of their broader objective: to win the election while fostering a fair, transparent, and accountable political climate that can address the needs and aspirations of Ghanaians. With the election only days away, the NDC’s strategies and vigilance may ultimately play a crucial role in shaping the electoral landscape and influencing the decisions of voters across the nation.
