Larry Gbevlo-Lartey, a private legal practitioner and the African Union Chairperson’s Special Representative for Counter-Terrorism Cooperation, has raised concerns about the government’s and the incoming administration’s focus on what he describes as a “Don Quixote” transition process.
He questioned why both the current and future administrations would direct their attention to an idealistic and perhaps futile transition, while the Electoral Commission (EC) seems to be exacerbating social unrest and public dissatisfaction.
Gbevlo-Lartey argued that this misplaced focus risks deepening the discontent among the public, as the EC’s actions appear to be contributing to further disruption and instability.
“Ensuring the situation is stabilized should be a concern for the transition effort with regard to security! My tuppence! No transition into chaos!
“The concept of a transition process derives from an understanding that the elections are over and the EC has completed its work”.
Larry Gbevlo-Lartey
Gbevlo-Lartey further questioned whether the courts should not simply take judicial notice of the results posted at the polling stations, as mandated by the provisions of CI 127.
He raised this point in light of the existing legal framework, suggesting that the results from these stations, which are publicly posted and accessible, should be given due consideration by the judiciary.
Gbevlo-Lartey emphasized that adhering to this approach could help streamline the process, ensuring transparency and accountability, while also minimizing the potential for delays or disputes in the electoral process. “Where is the EC driving peaceful Ghana?”
He questioned the origin of the Electoral Commission’s (EC) re-collation process, expressing frustration at its emergence.
He remarked that the EC’s primary responsibility was to conduct the election in accordance with the law and that this new, seemingly unnecessary step was complicating the process.
Gbevlo-Lartey emphasized that the situation was becoming increasingly troubling and disheartening, as the EC’s actions were deviating from its fundamental duty.
He expressed concern that such actions were undermining the integrity of the electoral process and contributing to public frustration.
Gbevlo-Lartey Calls for EC to Avoid Electoral Distortions
Furthermore, Larry Gbevlo-Lartey strongly urged the Electoral Commission (EC) to refrain from engaging in deliberate and arbitrary distortions of the electoral process.
He warned that such actions could provoke the support base of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), potentially leading to unnecessary tension and unrest.
He emphasized that these distortions would place an undue burden on the NDC leadership, forcing them to navigate heightened political pressure, while also creating additional challenges for law enforcement tasked with maintaining order.
“The EC should not instigate a social disruption. Ghana is beyond that. We take our political differences to court. Positions of EC chair and commissioners must be advertised and processed through Parliament!”
Larry Gbevlo-Lartey
Gbevlo-Lartey called for a fair, transparent, and lawful process to prevent escalating conflicts and to uphold the integrity of the electoral system.
Meanwhile, Mussa Dankwah, Executive Director of Global InfoAnalytics, raised a critical question regarding the re-collation controversy.
He asked whether the Electoral Commission (EC) would have taken the same course of action if the NDC were in the NPP’s position today.
His inquiry highlights concerns about potential biases in the EC’s handling of the situation, considering the different political contexts.
“Principles and consistency and not the selective application of rules are what builds robust institutions. How on earth Ghanaians don’t take these seriously baffles me”.
Mussa Dankwah
He further emphasized the urgent need for electoral reforms, stressing that violations of electoral laws should be met with strict penalties.
He argued that anyone found guilty of such breaches should face a minimum of five years in prison, with hard labor.
This, according to Dankwah, will serve as a deterrent to future offenses and to ensure greater integrity in the electoral process.
READ ALSO: Zuma’s Bold Move Reshapes South Africa’s Political Landscape
