The Speaker of Parliament, Mr. Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, has stated that the Electoral Commission of Ghana will receive parliamentary backing concerning its proposed policies on the condition that the Electoral Commission heeds to the electoral needs of the ordinary citizens.
Mr. Alban Bagbin made this remark in his speech as the guest speaker at the University of Development Studies’ (UDS) 18th Annual Harmattan School in Tamale on the 8th of February 2024 on the University of Development Studies grounds.
The Speaker of Parliament stressed that the Electoral Commission does not have the mandate of passing electoral laws and stated that the mandate to pass laws is the responsibility of parliament and the Parliament of Ghana will give the Electoral Commission the needed backing if it conducts its work with credibility.
Furthermore, Mr. Alban S.K Bagbin cautioned the Electoral Commission to be attentive to the people of Ghana and do right by the people. He asserted that the Electoral Commission will only have parliament’s support if its decisions reflect that it has taken into consideration the tangible needs and requirements of Ghanaians.
The Speaker of Parliament also declared that the legislative arm of government will readily provide resources to fund the operations of the Electoral Commission if its conducts are on the right trajectory in ensuring a transparent and tranquil election.
More so, Mr. Alban Bagbin cautioned the Electoral Commission not to push any other agenda other than the agenda of the ‘good’ people of Ghana. He stated that the Parliament of Ghana will withdraw its support to the Electoral commission if it fails to serve the ordinary citizen in conducting its duties.
The Speaker of Parliament argued that the Electoral Commission can only conduct its work judiciously if it puts the needs of the people of Ghana first. He argued that the commission’s constitutional mandate is to serve the people of Ghana and not an individual. He stressed that the EC in the conduct of its electoral duties must ensure the protection of Ghanaians and the stability of the country.
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Need for Media Reportage To Be Prudent during 2024 General Polls
Moreover, Mr. Alban Bagbin admonished the media to be prudent in its reportage during the 2024 general polls. He advised that the media should be certain of any information it transmits during the election.
He stressed that the media must be cautious not to announce results from the polls hastily to ensure that the wrong results are not being conveyed to the public.
The Speaker of Parliament encouraged the media to be open-minded, unbiased and pragmatic in its coverage of political parties and events leading to and during the general elections in December and emphasized that the media owes it to the people of Ghana to exhibit professionalism in conducting its obligations.
Additionally, Mr. Alban Bagbin emphasized that, Ghanaians must also play their part in ensuring a peaceful election. He reiterated that the people must do well to protect Ghana’s democracy and to be on the lookout for political rebels who take advantage of tensions that characterize most elections in the country.
The Speaker of Parliament stressed that the various sub-regions must be watched closely by state security agencies to ensure safety and security during the general elections. He charged every Ghanaian to ensure their individual safety and the safety of their community.
It is important to mention that, the Electoral Commission in recent times has received some rather scathing remarks on its proposal to make some changes to the electoral process in Ghana. These proposed changes include the elimination of indelible ink and the use of a fully digitalized system among others.
Owing to the Electoral Commission’s persistence to bring these proposed policies into existing laws irrespective of the pushback from Ghanaians, the Electoral Commission has come under the scrutiny of the general public concerning its limitations and autonomy as an institution.
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