Political scientist and Head of the Centre for European Studies at the University of Ghana, Dr. Kwame Asah Asante, has addressed concerns surrounding electoral disputes in the just-ended- 2024 general elections urging the need to adhere to judicial measures in resolving post-electoral irregularities.
He began by highlighting the violent incidents of the Parliamentary elections in constituencies which remain unresolved.
He expressed surprise at the Electoral Commission’s (EC) claim of missing pink sheets in the case of Dome-Kwabenya.
Highlighting the procedural safeguards in place, he noted that both scanned and physical copies of pink sheets should be available. “If you don’t have the hard copy, what about the scanned copy?” he asked, expressing difficulty understanding the situation.
Touching on the Ablekuma North constituency, Dr. Asah Asante lamented the loss of election evidence due to a fire outbreak at the Kwashieman cluster of schools. He added;
“The good news is that the constitution has prescribed a way of handling these things, beginning from the high court. If stakeholders sit down and don’t find a solution, somebody must head to the high court to seek direction.’’
Dr. Kwame Asah Asante Political Scientist, Head of Centre for European Studies (UG)
Ensuring Free and Fair Elections
Dr. Asah Asante reiterated the need for free and fair elections devoid of irregularities, violence, and property destruction.
“If we want to be a serious society, we must look out for these things which keep happening, build on them, and find lasting solutions.”
Dr. Kwame Asah Asante Political Scientist, Head of Centre for European Studies (UG)
He pointed out how electoral challenges have evolved, from ballot box snatching in the past to the use of vigilante groups and other irregularities in recent elections. He recounted;
“In the 2020 election, we saw how we took the conversation to another level where eight people were shot, and to date, government and its operators have not said a word on that—very unfortunate.’’
Dr. Kwame Asah Asante Political Scientist, Head of Centre for European Studies (UG)
Dr. Asah Asante emphasized the importance of adhering to electoral laws. He charged;
“If we make elections a do-or-die affair and all our effort is geared towards destroying society in order to govern, I’m afraid that thought will be in vain.’’
Dr. Kwame Asah Asante Political Scientist, Head of Centre for European Studies (UG)
In concluding his remarks, Dr. Asah Asante called on all stakeholders to embrace collaboration. He emphasized;
“When we live for ourselves, we live in vain. But when we live for others, we live again. Let us live for ourselves and live for others, and we can say that we live again.’’
Dr. Kwame Asah Asante Political Scientist, Head of Centre for European Studies (UG)
Dr. Kwame Asah Asante’s reflections highlight critical issues in both parliamentary consensus on national budgets and electoral integrity.
His call for prioritizing government business, resolving electoral disputes transparently, and fostering a culture of selflessness and collaboration offers a blueprint for a more resilient and united society. As he noted, “If we want to sustain this democracy, we must go by the rules of the game.”
Moreover, he expressed concern over the lack of consensus in Parliament regarding the mini-budget.
Speaking on the issue, he criticized the politicization of critical government business and urged the leadership of Parliament to prioritize national interests over partisan politics.
Dr. Asah Asante stressed that passing the mini-budget should take precedence among all other things. He emphasized;
“Once there is something like a budget, mini-budget of course, that we need to work on, you abandon everything and work on it. Any other thing becomes secondary, the leaders of Parliament should put their heads together and find a common ground so this can be done in no time.”
Dr. Kwame Asah Asante Political Scientist, Head of Centre for European Studies (UG)
According to him, failure to address the mini-budget promptly sends negative signals to both the local and international communities, with significant economic and political consequences.
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