Due to the politics of winner-take-all, elections in Ghana like many other parts of the continent have become a do-or-die affair. Since the return to democracy in the country in 1992, the stakes keep getting high, election after election, and so has the cost too. For candidates and political parties, financial investments must be protected for dividends to be gained.
In this regard, the recent announcement by the opposition National Democratic Congress is to adopt and utilize drone technology to monitor the elections. However, it did not come as a surprise to many people at all. The just concluded Inter-Party Advisory Committee (IPAC) meeting resolved the doubts between the Electoral Commission (EC), but what it did not achieve, was to erase the mistrust between them.
Controversially assuming office, Madam Jean Mensah has not been in the good books of the NDC. Although it is difficult to tell if the bad blood is a mutual thing, the opposition party has not shied away from displaying its reservations on the conduct of the EC and its chairperson.
Furthermore, the party’s suggestion that it intends to use drones, shows a deep-seated mistrust of both the EC and the incumbent government. It further demonstrates a lack of confidence in the neutrality and impartiality of the state security apparatus that will be providing security on that day.
Electoral Commission’s luggage
Having established a détente with the NDC, the Electoral Commission should demonstrate its fairness, neutrality, and impartiality with all the political parties irrespective of their size. It must do the same with other critical stakeholders such as election observers, Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), and the media. Anything contrary to these would only stoke suspicion and hate among various actors and that will not be good for the Commission and the country at large.
Regardless of NDC’s reservations and probable hostility, the EC should continue to extend an olive branch to them. The commission must find ways to carry it along during these crucial few months. As the biggest opposition party, NDC is crucial to the security and stability of the country.
Moreso, the CSOs can play a crucial role in bridging the gap between the bodies. Through mediation and dialogue, they can establish a needed understanding with the party.
Privacy And Integrity of Ballot
Another critical question that trailed the party’s announcement has to do with the secrecy ballot. Article 49(1)of the constitution says that,
At any public election or referendum, voting shall be by secret ballot.
Article 49(1) of the Constitution
Won’t the use of Drones violate this stipulation of the law? If allowed to stand won’t that lead to dangerous precedence where parties now determine what kind of security arrangement, they would like to see at a polling station, on polling day?
It suffices to also state that, polling stations are designated security zones, as such a permit would be required from both the EC and the police. However, Dr. Serebour Quaicoe, the Director of Electoral Service at EC doubts that can be obtained.
This leads one more step on the ladder, aside from the EC, the police service has a great responsibility to ensure that the polls are violence-free. Therefore, in its security arrangement and preparation, the service should as a matter of urgency, solicit input and concerns from political parties to forestall any last-minute misunderstanding. As earlier intimated, it is a lack of confidence in the system that’s prompting all these discussions now.
Confidence-building measures can assuage the fear if not the doubts of political parties and allow the police to do its constitutionally mandated duty as lead security agency for the state during elections.
Other Support Elements
Despite being the main security provider during elections, other personnel from sister agencies are often drafted to augment the number. This inter-agency collaboration is important in many ways.
In the first instance, it eases the burden on the police service thereby allowing it to continue with its other duties outside the scope of the election. Additionally, it fosters unity and camaraderie among the agencies, and this has long-term benefits for the security of the state.
That said, it is the deployment of the military that rouses suspicion and foul cry. The election task force should be able to carry political parties along on the issue of deploying members of the armed forces during the elections.
With candid dialogue and deliberation, a consensus that works for all and benefits of the country can be arrived at irrespective of existing differences and difficulties. Just that, it is a bumpy road before December 7.
Read More: Dumsor Politics Amidst Growing Concern of Ghanaians
