The voter register audit has become a contentious issue in Ghana’s political landscape. However, it is crucial to depoliticize this process to ensure the integrity of the electoral system.
The audit’s primary objective is to guarantee the accuracy and reliability of the voter register, essential for free and fair elections. Politicization undermines this goal, creating suspicion and mistrust.
Accordingly, Prof. Kwaku Azar Asare, a legal expert, has emphasized that the need for an audit of Ghana’s voter register should be a non-partisan issue, free from political manipulation.
Prof. Asare stated that electoral systems, being complex and critical, must undergo regular, independent audits to guarantee their accuracy, reliability, and transparency.
“A recent audit by the International Organization of La Francophonie (OIF) has declared Togo’s electoral register ‘reliable’ in preparation for the upcoming legislative and regional elections”.
“Similar audits have been done in Kenya, South Africa, etc. Just about every society understands that complex systems must be audited. As an example, KPMG was contracted to audit the voters register of Kenya in 2022 with the following terms of reference: Review the voter registration process, transfer process, and voter details update processes and recommend improvements”.
Prof. Kwaku Azar Asare
Prof. Asare further asserted that an Electoral Commission’s (EC) refusal to undergo an audit will understandably lead rational people to assume it is hiding something.
As such, he advised that the EC’s credibility is best served by embracing an independent audit, lest its resistance confirms the public’s worst suspicions.
Prof. Asare emphasized that the Electoral Commission (EC) should remain impartial and avoid politicizing the need for audits, even if “short-term-oriented” politicians try to exploit the issue.
He accentuated that the EC’s commitment to audits should be unwavering, prioritizing the values of transparency and integrity over short-term political gain.
“There is the right way to do things and then there is the way we do it in Umuofia [Ghana]”. – Prof. Kwaku Azar Asare
Audit’s Transformative Power: Lessons From Kenya
Furthermore, Prof. Kwaku Azar Asare emphasized the transformative power of voter register audits, pointing to Kenya’s successful audit as a case in point, which significantly improved the voters’ register, ensuring a more reliable and trustworthy electoral process.
Prof. Asare noted that the audit provided assurance to all stakeholders, fostering trust and confidence in the electoral process.
Moreover, he indicated that the mere anticipation of the audit had a profoundly positive impact, driving beneficial effects that enhanced the overall integrity of the system.
“Elsewhere there is no law requiring an audit, even though the EC itself admits that at one time its register had trees and animals representing voters”.
“So, the political parties take turns to fight with the EC on the need for an audit”.
Prof. Kwaku Azar Asare
Prof. Asare emphasized that there is a universally accepted standard for excellence, and he urged the Electoral Commission (EC) to adhere to best practices rather than resorting to “our [Ghana’s] way of doing things” that may compromise integrity.
Additionally, transparency and accountability are fundamental principles of democratic governance.
As such, Prof. Asare noted that an unbiased audit promotes these values, fostering trust among citizens, political parties, and stakeholders.
More so, preventing electoral fraud is a critical aspect of the audit. Duplicate registrations, deceased individuals, and other discrepancies can be identified and addressed, ensuring the register’s credibility.
Prof. Asare indicated that inclusivity is paramount, stressing that the audit will ensure all eligible citizens are registered, exercising their right to vote without hindrance.
Most importantly, the politicization of the audit process has severe implications, including the erosion of trust in institutions, the exacerbation of electoral violence, and the compromise of democratic principles.
This, in turn, can lead to further consequences, such as escalated social tensions and a diminished international reputation for Ghana.
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