In recent times, accusations of partisanship continue to cloud the reputation of the Electoral Commission (EC) of Ghana, raising serious concerns among civil society organizations, political observers, and the general public about the credibility and impartiality of the institution responsible for overseeing the country’s elections.
Over the past few years, the EC has been mired in controversy, particularly concerning the appointment of individuals perceived to be aligned with the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP).
These appointments have not only sparked intense debate but have also fueled public distrust in the commission’s ability to conduct free and fair elections.
The controversies have revolved around the appointment of individuals with known political affiliations or those who have openly represented political parties on media platforms.
Critics argue that these appointments compromise the independence of the Electoral Commission, which is mandated by the Constitution to operate without bias or influence from any political party.
Several well-meaning Ghanaians, including leaders of prominent civil society organizations, have publicly criticized the move, underscoring the public resentment against what is perceived as a blatant disregard for the principles of neutrality and fairness.
Albert Arhin, the National Coordinator of the Coalition of Domestic Elections Observers (CODEO), in a recent statement, underscored the growing chorus of voices calling for greater transparency and neutrality within the EC.
Responding to questions about the appropriateness of having known party affiliates serving on the EC, Mr Arhin responded with clear disapproval, emphasizing the need for the commission to maintain an image of impartiality to safeguard its integrity.
“It’s sad. CODEO had previously sent a letter, or issued a press release, urging the gentleman in question to resign in his own interest. We gave him a 90-day period to do so, but he did not comply. People are forgetting the fact that the integrity of the EC is at stake.
“Whenever you are appointed to the EC, you must be beyond any kind of political affiliation; you should not have anything to do with politics. That is crucial to strengthening the integrity and sincerity of the commission.”
Albert Kofi Arhin, CODEO-National Coordinator
The uniqueness of Ghana’s Electoral Commission
The National Coordinator of the Coalition of Domestic Elections Observers further highlighted the unique structure of Ghana’s Electoral Commission, contrasting it with electoral bodies in some Francophone countries where political parties are directly represented on the commission.
He underscored the unique nature of Ghana’s Electoral Commission, stating that in Ghana, the EC is designed to operate independently, devoid of any direct political party representation, which makes the neutrality of its members all the more vital.
“In Ghana, we should have neutral people serving on the commission. You may have your political affiliation, yes, but at least in your day-to-day affairs, it should not be known that, for example, you belong to a particular party.”
Albert Kofi Arhin, CODEO-National Coordinator
CODEO’s National Coordinator did not shy away from expressing his displeasure with the current state of affairs of the Electoral Commission, decrying the implication on Ghana’s electoral process if urgent measures are not put in place to address it.
“Honestly, I’m not too happy about it. CODEO is not happy about it,” he stated. When questioned whether CODEO had communicated its dissatisfaction directly to the EC, Mr Arhin confirmed, “They have read it. We have issued a statement. We gave them a copy.”
The ongoing debate over the perceived politicization of the Electoral Commission comes at a crucial time for Ghana’s democracy.
As Ghana prepares for the upcoming December general elections, the credibility of the EC will be paramount in ensuring that the electoral process is viewed as legitimate and fair by all stakeholders.
The calls for the resignation of party-affiliated commissioners are not merely about individuals but about preserving the sanctity of the electoral process in Ghana.
It is therefore incumbent on the Electoral Commission to demonstrate its commitment to neutrality to restore trust and ensure that the perception of bias does not overshadow the credibility of the electoral process in the country, knowing that the strength of Ghana’s democracy relies on the trust the public places in its electoral institutions.
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