EC Must Tick Many Boxes to Restore Confidence before 2024 Elections – Omane Boamah
Dr Edward Omane Boamah, Director of Elections for the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has expressed concerns over the failure of the Electoral Commission (EC) to distribute election materials on time in certain areas of the Eastern and Ashanti regions, resulting in the postponement of elections.
In a recent tweet, Dr Boamah emphasized the significance of the upcoming December 2024 elections and called for the EC to reflect on its shortcomings and take necessary measures to regain public trust and confidence.
The EC of Ghana has faced scrutiny following its failure to deliver voting materials on time, leading to the rescheduling of district-level elections in specific areas of the Ashanti and Eastern Regions. This incident has raised concerns about the preparedness and efficiency of the Commission ahead of the crucial 2024 elections.
The affected areas were originally scheduled to participate in the electoral exercise on Thursday, December 21, 2023. However, due to the EC’s delay in distributing the necessary voting materials, residents were inconvenienced and unable to exercise their democratic right.
In a statement issued by Michael Boadu, the Acting Head of Public Relations for the EC, the Commission expressed regret for the inconvenience caused to the residents of these Electoral Areas. The EC acknowledged its failure and emphasized the need for introspection and improvement to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The EC plays a vital role in ensuring free, fair, and transparent elections in Ghana. Its failure to deliver voting materials on time raises questions about its ability to effectively carry out its responsibilities. With the 2024 elections approaching, it is crucial for the EC to promptly address these concerns and take necessary steps to prevent such incidents from recurring.
The rescheduling of the district-level elections in the Ashanti and Eastern Regions serves as a reminder of the importance of a well-functioning electoral system. It is imperative to protect every citizen’s right to vote, and the EC must uphold its duty to facilitate a smooth electoral process.
As the EC embarks on its journey towards the 2024 elections, it must prioritize transparency, efficiency, and accountability. The Commission should conduct a comprehensive review of its operations, identify areas for improvement, and implement necessary reforms to restore public confidence.
Ghana’s democracy relies on the credibility of its electoral system. Therefore, it is imperative for the EC to regain the trust of the people and ensure that all future electoral processes are conducted with the utmost integrity. The upcoming 2024 elections will serve as a crucial test for the Commission, and it must rise to the occasion to safeguard the democratic principles that underpin the nation.