The urgency of the situation cannot be overstated. Elections are pivotal to a country’s socio-economic and political advancement, serving as the primary democratic mechanism for electing leaders who can guide the nation forward.
However, poorly managed elections can have severe repercussions, including selecting unsuitable leaders and adverse impacts on governance.
In Ghana, elections are overseen by the Electoral Commission (EC), which is supposed to be an independent body responsible for conducting and supervising all public elections and referenda. Its independence and transparency are crucial for ensuring fair and credible elections.
Yet, the executive branch’s appointment process for the EC’s leadership raises concerns about its autonomy.
The credibility of the EC has been questioned in recent years. Notably, the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) rejected the results of the 2020 presidential election, alleging that they were manipulated to favour the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP). This was amidst a backdrop of economic struggles, corruption, and other issues that the NDC argued indicated the NPP’s poor performance in office.
The NDC’s dissatisfaction was rooted in the perceived poor performance of the NPP’s administration, which they argue was marked by economic struggles, corruption, and other issues.
The party’s presidential candidate, John Dramani Mahama, challenged the election results in the Supreme Court, but the court upheld the EC’s declaration of Nana Akufo-Addo as the winner.
Despite the court’s ruling, the NDC continues to push for comprehensive electoral reforms, citing concerns over transparency and fairness.
They have called for improved transparency in the vote collation process, the adoption of advanced voting technologies, and greater independence for the EC. Transparency is key to restoring trust.
Criticism has also focused on Jean Mensa, the EC chairperson, who has been accused of bias by the NDC, particularly regarding decisions like compiling a new voters’ register before the 2020 elections.
As Ghana approaches the December 2024 elections, similar disputes have resurfaced.
The NDC has expressed concerns over proposed changes to the electoral process, including electronic voting and another new voters’ register.
It fears these measures could disproportionately benefit the ruling party and exacerbate mistrust in the EC.
The ongoing tensions highlight a crucial issue: the vital need for trust in the EC’s ability to conduct impartial elections.
This scepticism, fueled by past experiences, threatens to polarize the political landscape further and escalate tensions, mirroring the unrest of the 2020 elections.
In a democratic society, it is troubling that the EC is perceived with suspicion.
The current appointment process for the EC’s leadership, controlled by the executive branch, may contribute to this mistrust. Reforming the appointment process could restore confidence in the EC and promote transparent electoral practices.
Options for reform include national elections for EC leadership, parliamentary approval by a supermajority, judicial appointments, independent selection committees, multipartisan political nominations, or a public application process.
Countries like Switzerland, Kenya, New Zealand, Germany, Portugal, and Iceland offer examples of alternative methods that ensure electoral bodies remain independent and transparent.
For instance, Switzerland employs a collegial system where a multi-party Federal Council oversees the electoral process. At the same time, Kenya includes civil society representatives in its selection panel for the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).
Adopting a more transparent and inclusive method for selecting the EC’s leadership could reduce executive influence, foster public trust, and ensure the Commission operates independently.
Such reforms are not just essential, but also promising for strengthening the EC’s credibility, ensuring the integrity of elections, and safeguarding Ghana’s democracy. They offer a beacon of hope for a better electoral future.
