Dr. Mohamed Ibn Chambas, the High Representative of the African Union for Silencing the Guns, has requested that the Electoral Commission (EC) take action to gain the confidence of all parties involved, stating that there is still time to do so.
In an address at the first Diplomatic Honours in Accra, Dr. Ibn Chambas made many suggestions aimed at reversing what he perceived as a retreat in democratic advancements.
He noted that many people have called for the EC, for example, to post polling station results on its website during elections in order to increase poll transparency.
“It is not too late to work to win the trust and confidence of all parties and stakeholders in the electoral process. Specifically, ensuring the publication of polling station results on the website of the Electoral Commission is one measure that will greatly advance and enhance the credibility and transparency of the process, and this will sound like music to some of our partners here who have made this recommendation time and again,” he said.
The Electoral Commission’s recent compilation of a voter’s record has led to a severe dispute between the party and Ghana’s main opposition, the National Democratic Congress (NDC).
The EC contends that the concerns, which stem from the initial register compilation processes, have been rectified after the draft register was shown, notwithstanding the NDC’s claims that the record is riddled with irregularities.
As a result, the EC has asked the NDC to furnish it with the specifics of the party’s further grievances for redress, as well as to other stakeholders, such as other political parties. But the NDC has called on its supporters and members to participate in nationwide protests demanding that the EC submit to a “forensic audit,” citing mistrust for the EC.
Additionally, Dr. Bossman Eric Asare, the Deputy Chairman for Corporate Services of the Electoral Commission, reaffirmed the call to former President Mahama to meet with the NDC to discuss the discrepancies the party has brought up with the provisional voters register on Saturday, September 14, during an appearance on Newsfile on Joy FM.
The NDC is urged to contact the EC any day of the week to arrange a meeting with the Commission’s team, other political parties, and stakeholders to resolve all issues. He insisted that the Commission has addressed all discrepancies found with the provisional voters register thus far and will address any more discrepancies that the NDC brings to the table.
The NDC claims to have found inconsistencies in the provisional voters record, and the EC asked former President John Dramani Mahama to clarify these claims with the party earlier this week.
On Thursday, September 12, 2024, at a news conference in Accra, Mr. Samuel Tettey, Deputy Chairman of Operations, made the following direct appeal to the former President:
“The EC believes that the best way to ascertain the credibility and integrity of the 2024 Voters Register is the discussion table, not on the streets. Taking to the streets will not ensure a credible register. It will only cause tensions and suspicions which are unwarranted. We call on the former President, His Excellency John Mahama, an eminent and respected statesman of the Republic, to encourage and bring his party to the table as that is the best place to address issues and ascertain the truth regarding the Voters Register. We are confident that the former President will heed to our calls and do everything in his power to bring his party to the discussion table. On our part, we assure the NDC of a transparent process that would demonstrate to them that all their concerns have been resolved.”
During his speech, Dr. Chambas urged all Ghanaians to play their part in ensuring that the elections are credible and devoid of violence rather than taking the current state of calm for granted.
He urged President Akufo-Addo to make sure there is no bloodshed during the election, admonishing that in the event that there is violence in the 2024 elections, everyone will be held responsible for their roles, in contrast to 2020 when lives were lost to tarnish Ghana’s otherwise impressive record of returning to peaceful elections.
Dr. Chambas also called on the media and other stakeholders to remain responsible.
Said Dr. Chambas; “… It is the shared responsibility of all Ghanaian citizens, all stakeholders, to deliver credible participatory, violent free elections, CSOs, the media, traditional and religious leaders, public intellectuals, the private sector, also the contribution of local, national some regional and continental and international observers, with our partners supporting our call for all must play their respective roles as expected under the law.
“Distinguished ladies and gentlemen. I know today is supposed to be celebratory, but as we celebrate, we must be reminded that there’s still work to be done, and we must not relent in our efforts to ensure a secure and peaceful continent as our dear Kofi Annan often reminded us, there is no development without peace, and no peace without development, and neither can be obtained without respect for human rights and the dignity of people. “Africa’s industrialisation depends on the prevalence of peace and security. And we must not rest on our laurels until we have silenced the guns in Africa.”
Source: Adomonline