The African Electoral Institute (AEI), a prominent civil society organization, has issued a call for the unedited broadcast of meetings held by the Inter-Party Advisory Committee (IPAC) to enhance transparency in the development and management of Ghana’s voter register ahead of the 2024 general election.

In a press statement, AEI highlighted the critical importance of these meetings in maintaining the integrity of Ghana’s electoral process and fostering public trust in the Electoral Commission (EC).

AEI stated, “Unedited broadcasts of such important meetings will enable the electorate to witness discussions and decisions firsthand, hence promoting openness and inclusivity.”

The organization underscored that allowing the public to witness these discussions in their entirety would strengthen the democratic process by holding the EC and IPAC accountable for their decisions and actions.

AEI emphasized that unedited coverage of IPAC meetings would serve as a vital tool for promoting accountability. By offering real-time access to the proceedings, voters and stakeholders could gain direct insight into how decisions are made regarding the voter register, ensuring that all parties involved are held to their commitments.

The institute noted, “The unedited broadcast will ensure the EC and IPAC are accountable for their actions and commitments to the electorate.”

This call for transparency comes amid growing concerns over the credibility of the voter register, which many see as a cornerstone of any free and fair election.

AEI argued that transparency in decision-making processes, particularly in relation to the voter register, is crucial for reinforcing trust in the electoral system and averting potential disputes during and after the election.

AEI’s statement further stressed that unedited broadcasts of IPAC meetings would bolster the EC’s credibility by demonstrating its adherence to the core values of transparency, fairness, and integrity.

The civil society group remarked that such broadcasts could visibly showcase the EC’s commitment to upholding its mandate and reinforcing the confidence of the electorate.

“This will ultimately reduce speculation, rumours, and misinformation about the voter register,” AEI pointed out, acknowledging the widespread concern about the dissemination of inaccurate information, which has historically plagued election seasons in Ghana and other parts of the continent.

Strengthening Democracy and Political Stability

In its statement, AEI affirmed that it fully supports the broadcast of IPAC meetings in an unedited format as a measure to promote trust, transparency, and accountability in Ghana’s electoral system.

“Unedited broadcasts of IPAC meetings will promote trust, transparency, accountability, and ultimately strengthen Ghana’s democratic processes, political stability, and a peaceful, credible election for national cohesion.”
African Electoral Institute (AEI)

AEI underscored the importance of the upcoming election, pointing out that Ghana’s reputation for peaceful transfers of power over the past few decades has solidified its standing as a beacon of democracy in West Africa.

However, it warned that the upcoming election would be crucial in further consolidating these democratic credentials and sustaining the nation’s political stability.

The institute stated, “Ghana has a reputation for peaceful transfer of power, and this election will further consolidate Ghana’s democratic credentials and political stability.” With the stakes high, ensuring that the election process is transparent and credible is paramount for maintaining this reputation.

Central to this is the credibility of the voter register, which AEI described as the “foundation of a fair, transparent, and inclusive electoral process.” The institute stressed that a robust and transparent voter register is essential to safeguarding the integrity of Ghana’s democracy and ensuring that the electorate has confidence in the electoral process.