In the lead-up to national elections, Dr. Kojo Pumpuni Asante, Director of Policy Engagement and Partnership at the Center for Democratic Development (CDD), addressed the urgent need for electoral transparency and trust-building within the Electoral Commission.
His insights reflected the core of the Afro Barometer report findings, which underscore the complex challenges the electoral management body faces.
Dr. Asante’s primary concern centered on the evident decline in public trust in the electoral commission, a crucial element for democratic stability. If left unchecked, this trend could severely impact the integrity of the electoral process and the broader democratic framework.
Meanwhile, the trend data is what is alarming. Over time, we have seen a significant decline in the trust vested in our electoral management body.
This decline in trust is more than just a passing issue; it signals an underlying dysfunction that, if unresolved, may destabilize the nation’s democracy in the long run. He stated; “Any kind of organization would really struggle and be close to collapse” if operating with such low levels of trust.
Electoral Process as a Buffer to Declining Trust
Despite these concerns, Dr. Asante pointed out that the electoral process itself still provides certain safeguards that help alleviate some of the public’s apprehensions.
“If you ask people, the assessment of the previous election, they do indicate that… about 60% indicated that it was free and fair.”
Dr. Kojo Pumpuni Asante Director of Policy Engagement and Partnership at the Center for Democratic Development (CDD)
This figure, which includes those who found the election “free and fair with minor problems,” demonstrates that while trust in the electoral commission may be faltering, public perception of the process remains relatively positive.
Dr. Asante elaborated on some of the procedural strengths of the electoral process. He highlighted the transparency of voting at polling stations, where “the process of openly counting votes and everybody sees what happens” fosters a sense of accountability and fairness.
“We have challenges at the coalitions and process,” he admitted, but added that the visibility of vote counting at the polling stations helps build “a certain confidence that the process is open and transparent.”
Recommendations for Electoral Reforms
He emphasized that an electoral body “cannot be running with that level of trust level.” Reiterating the need for fundamental reforms to restore credibility.
For Dr. Asante, the lack of trust in the electoral commission is symptomatic of larger systemic issues that require a holistic approach.
He underscored that “the entire system really needs a serious look at,” suggesting that electoral reforms alone might not be enough to address the public’s concerns.
In light of the pressing need for improvement, Dr. Asante pointed out that every step taken toward election day has the potential to boost public confidence in the electoral process.
“Everything that we do every day to the election, can help improve people’s confidence in the electoral process.”
Dr. Kojo Pumpuni Asante Director of Policy Engagement and Partnership at the Center for Democratic Development (CDD)
He praised certain steps taken by the electoral commission to increase transparency, expressing cautious optimism that these measures could have a positive impact.
Maintaining Credibility Amidst Challenges
The Afro Barometer report, discussed by Dr. Asante, underscored the challenges faced by the electoral commission.
With under 40 days to the election, Dr. Asante warned that “something must be done” to mitigate the issues highlighted in the report.
He urged the electoral management body to take swift and decisive action, recognizing that the commission itself is “at the bottom of the pile” when it comes to public perception.
However, Dr. Asante balanced his critique with an acknowledgment of the commission’s recent efforts to improve transparency.
“The electoral commission has taken some of the steps that are needed to improve transparency, to build confidence in the process.”
Dr. Kojo Pumpuni Asante Director of Policy Engagement and Partnership at the Center for Democratic Development (CDD)
He hopes that, despite the current challenges, these actions will contribute to a more credible and trustworthy electoral process.
A Call for Systemic Change
Dr. Asante’s remarks reflected a dual perspective—acknowledging the procedural strengths of the election process while also calling for systemic reforms to rebuild trust in the electoral commission.
His insights pointed to an urgent need for electoral reforms and a broader systemic overhaul.
“Our entire democracy cannot be running around, hovering around these types of trust levels.”
Dr. Kojo Pumpuni Asante Director of Policy Engagement and Partnership at the Center for Democratic Development (CDD)
Dr. Asante’s remarks underscored the gravity of the situation and the essential steps that must be taken to restore faith in Ghana’s electoral framework.
In his words, the future of democracy rests on more than procedural reforms.
“There has to be a really serious introspection… for the electoral body, but the entire system needs a serious look at.”
Dr. Kojo Pumpuni Asante Director of Policy Engagement and Partnership at the Center for Democratic Development (CDD)
Dr. Asante’s perspective served as a timely reminder of the importance of a credible electoral process and the need to reinforce trust at every level of governance.
