The Electoral Commission (EC) of Ghana has undertaken a significant restructuring of its electoral processes for the 2020 general elections, particularly concerning the location of collation centres. This decision, prompted by escalating security concerns and threats against EC staff, has led to the relocation of collation centres for twelve constituencies to the National Police Training School (NPTS). This move, according to EC Chairperson Jean Mensa, was deemed necessary to uphold the integrity of the electoral process and safeguard the lives of EC personnel. The decision underscores the challenges faced by electoral bodies in maintaining order and ensuring transparency in politically charged environments.
The EC’s decision was precipitated by a series of disturbing incidents during the collation process. These included direct threats of violence against EC staff, attempts to coerce them into declaring falsified results, and disruptions that threatened to undermine the integrity of the electoral process. Specifically, constituencies like Ablekuma North and Okaikwei Central experienced heightened tensions and overt threats to EC officials, necessitating immediate action. The EC’s initial response was to relocate the collation centres for these affected constituencies to the EC’s Greater Accra Regional Office. This was intended as a temporary measure to de-escalate the situation and allow for a more controlled environment for the collation of results.
However, this initial relocation proved insufficient to address the ongoing security challenges. Despite the EC’s efforts to communicate the changes to all political parties and implement guidelines for representation at the new collation centres, these guidelines were disregarded. The ensuing chaos and disruptions, fueled by the non-compliance of some political actors, further jeopardized the integrity of the electoral process and the safety of EC personnel. The EC Chairperson highlighted this lack of cooperation as a key factor that ultimately necessitated the further relocation of collation centres to the NPTS.
The decision to relocate the collation centres to the NPTS was not taken lightly. It was based on a thorough security assessment conducted in collaboration with the Ghana Police Service. The NPTS, being a secure facility under police control, offered a more controlled environment where EC staff could carry out their duties without fear of intimidation or violence. This move reflects the EC’s commitment to ensuring the safety of its staff while upholding the principles of transparency and fairness in the electoral process. The choice of the NPTS was seen as a practical solution to mitigate the escalating security risks and ensure the completion of the collation process.
The EC implemented specific procedures for the relocated collation centres at the NPTS to maintain transparency and ensure the participation of all political parties. Each political party was allowed two agents at the new collation centres. This arrangement aimed to provide equal access and representation for all stakeholders while maintaining order and security within the facility. The EC emphasized its commitment to communicating these changes transparently to all political parties. This included providing clear guidelines for representation at the new collation centres. The goal was to ensure a fair and inclusive process despite the extraordinary circumstances.
The relocation of collation centres to the NPTS highlights the complex interplay of security, transparency, and political dynamics in electoral processes. The EC’s actions underscore the lengths to which electoral bodies must sometimes go to protect their staff and ensure the integrity of elections in challenging environments. The case also reveals the importance of collaboration with security agencies and the need for adherence to established procedures by all stakeholders to facilitate a smooth and credible electoral process. The EC’s experience serves as a valuable lesson for electoral management bodies globally, demonstrating the critical need for contingency plans and adaptive strategies to address unforeseen security challenges while upholding the principles of democratic elections.
