Professor Kwaku Asare, a Fellow of the Centre for Democratic Development (CDD), has cautioned the Chairperson of the Electoral Commission, Mrs. Jean Mensa, against hasty and untested implementation of significant electoral policy changes. His remarks come in response to the recent announcement by Mrs. Mensa that the use of indelible ink would be discontinued in elections conducted by the commission.
Indelible ink, a crucial tool in preventing electoral fraud such as double voting, has been a standard feature in Ghana’s electoral process. However, Mrs. Mensa argued that with the introduction of biometric machines, the ink has become obsolete. The biometric identification system, she explained, now effectively prevents individuals from casting multiple votes.
Professor Asare, popularly known as Kwaku Azar, emphasized the importance of piloting such transformative changes before full-scale implementation. He urged the Electoral Commission to build consensus through pilot testing, ensuring that any technological advancements are reliable and inspire confidence among the public.
“I am one of those people who don’t believe that big changes should be implemented all of a sudden.
“You cannot just announce that for the first time, I am no longer going to use indelible ink. People will raise questions because technology does not always work.”
Professor Kwaku Asare
He further stressed the need for the Electoral Commission to learn from recent challenges, such as the district-level elections, which faced considerable issues. Pilot testing, he suggested, could have been utilized to evaluate the new system’s effectiveness and report the results to the public, thereby building confidence.
Other stakeholders, including the National Democratic Congress (NDC), have also expressed reservations about the abrupt decision to discontinue the use of indelible ink. National Chairman of the NDC, Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, warned that this move could open the door to nefarious activities compromising the integrity of the electoral process.
“The discontinuation of the use of indelible ink at this stage will open the flood gates for nefarious activities that will compromise the integrity of our elections. Have we as Ghanaians said we will not pay for the indelible ink?
“The EC must not make life easy for criminals to exploit our electoral process.”
Johnson Asiedu Nketiah
The Majority Leader, Osei-Kyei-Mensah Bonsu, echoed similar concerns, urging the Electoral Commission to reconsider its decision and emphasizing the need for a gradual approach to implementing changes. He particularly criticized the proposed closure of polls at 3 PM, urging the Commission to avoid potential chaos by reviewing its stance.
As Ghana approaches the 2024 elections, the debate over the Electoral Commission’s recent decisions underscores the delicate balance between embracing technological advancements and ensuring a smooth, credible electoral process. The call for piloting and consensus-building reflects a broader concern for preserving the integrity of Ghana’s democratic system amidst evolving electoral practices.
EC Must Take It Slow
While the EC aims to streamline the electoral process through technological advancements, there are significant apprehensions that these changes may introduce unforeseen complications, risking the integrity of the upcoming elections.
One prominent issue revolves around the abrupt discontinuation of indelible ink. The ink has long been a symbol of electoral transparency, preventing fraudulent practices like double voting. The EC’s argument that the biometric system can effectively replace indelible ink raises questions about the reliability and resilience of the new technology. Critics, including political stakeholders and civic experts, argue that such a fundamental shift should have been subjected to thorough pilot testing to ensure its effectiveness and public acceptance. The potential for technological glitches or exploitation of the new system during the 2024 elections poses a considerable risk to the integrity of the electoral process.
Another concern surrounds the proposed changes to polling station hours. The suggestion to close polls at 3 PM has drawn criticism from various quarters, including the Majority Leader, Osei-Kyei-Mensah Bonsu, who argues that it could create chaos. With the possibility of increased voter turnout and the need for adequate time to address any unforeseen challenges, limiting polling hours may inadvertently disenfranchise voters and lead to an incomplete electoral process.
Moreover, the lack of consensus-building on these changes poses a threat to public confidence. Stakeholders, including the National Democratic Congress (NDC), have resisted the discontinuation of indelible ink, expressing fears that it could compromise the election’s integrity. The EC’s ability to build trust and ensure a transparent electoral process is crucial for the legitimacy of the 2024 elections.
While the EC’s efforts to modernize the electoral system are commendable, the potential challenges posed by these changes cannot be ignored. Ensuring the resilience and acceptance of new technologies, addressing concerns through pilot testing, and fostering consensus among stakeholders are imperative to safeguarding the integrity of Ghana’s democratic process in the upcoming elections.
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