The Coalition of Domestic Election Observers (CODEO) has made a crucial appeal to media organizations, urging them to refrain from announcing election results ahead of the official declaration by the Electoral Commission (EC) during Ghana’s 2024 General Elections.
The call was made by CODEO’s National Coordinator, Albert Arhin, in a recent interview, where he emphasized the significance of maintaining the credibility and integrity of the electoral process.
“It is not necessary. Let the EC come out to declare the results. Let me tell you, CODEO normally gets the results about two days before the EC comes out, but we never tell anybody.
“Through the Parallel Vote Tabulation (PVT), we’re able to know who has won the election, but we swear and we keep it to ourselves.”
Albert Arhin, CODEO’s National Coordinator
CODEO, through its sophisticated PVT system, gathers data and cross-verifies results from polling stations across the country. Despite this early access to reliable election data, the organization withholds from releasing results until after the official declaration by the EC.
In the context of highly competitive elections, there is a growing tendency for media outlets to rely on rapid result tabulations, often using projections or unofficial counts to report outcomes ahead of the EC’s formal declaration.
Mr. Arhin highlighted the risks associated with this practice, calling on the media to exercise caution and responsibility.
Mr. Arhin underscored the critical role that both the Electoral Commission and CODEO play in ensuring free, fair, and credible elections in Ghana.
He argued that while media outlets are integral to the democratic process by informing the public, they should be mindful of their influence and avoid actions that could potentially jeopardize the credibility of the elections.
Risks of Premature Result Declarations
A key concern raised by CODEO is the potential for premature declarations to create confusion and unrest. Elections are highly emotive events, and early announcements—especially when conflicting results circulate—can spark tension among political party supporters, disrupt the electoral process, and even lead to violence.
Mr. Arhin warned that any attempt by the media to release unofficial results before the EC’s formal announcement could result in chaos, particularly if the unofficial results contradict the official outcome.
Mr. Arhin said, “If you release results before the EC, and it turns out to be wrong, it can cause serious tension and problems. It is better to be cautious than to create unnecessary uncertainty.”
Ghana has a history of closely contested elections, with outcomes sometimes hinging on small margins. In such an environment, trust in the electoral process is paramount. Any miscommunication or perceived manipulation of results could undermine public confidence, potentially destabilizing the political environment.
While expressing concerns about premature result declarations, Mr. Arhin acknowledged the vital role the media plays in upholding democratic transparency. Media houses serve as the conduit through which citizens receive essential electoral updates, participate in national discourse, and hold public institutions accountable.
“The media is important in elections, no doubt. They have a responsibility to inform the public, but they must do so within the confines of the law and not overstep their boundaries.”
Albert Arhin, CODEO’s National Coordinator
CODEO’s position on result declaration mirrors the principles embedded in Ghana’s electoral laws. The Electoral Commission remains the sole authority responsible for overseeing elections and formally declaring the results.
Mr. Arhin reiterated, “Any breach of this protocol could undermine public confidence in the electoral system.”
In the past, media outlets have been encouraged to follow the official timeline set by the EC and avoid releasing projections or unofficial results.
The 2024 elections are expected to draw significant attention both locally and internationally, with high stakes for all political parties involved. With the entire nation and observers keenly watching the process, the adherence to established procedures becomes more critical than ever.
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