Professor Ernest Kofi Abotsi, Dean of the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA) Law School, has advised the Electoral Commission (EC) to grant the request for an audit of the voter register ahead of the 2024 general elections.
Prof. Abotsi emphasized that this step is essential to uphold the integrity, transparency, and accuracy of the electoral process, thereby safeguarding the foundations of Ghana’s democracy.
He emphasized that auditing the electoral roll would ultimately benefit the commission itself, as it would allow them to address and dispel the allegations and concerns raised by the National Democratic Congress (NDC).
This, according to the legal expert, would enable the commission to showcase its dedication to transparency, accountability, and electoral integrity, thereby bolstering public trust and confidence in the electoral process.
“The EC’s position on the request for an audit of the register is baffling & even troubling! For even if they deny the merit of the claims, audits by their nature confirm or refute allegations, and for a constitutional body whose mandate is rooted in perceptions of fairness and neutrality, it is in… [the] interest of Ghana that it [EC] dispels, not fight, allegations of a bloated register through an audit.”
Professor Ernest Kofi Abotsi
Prof. Abotsi highlighted that the 1992 Constitution establishes two distinct categories of institutions: those grounded in power, comprising the Executive, Parliament, and the Armed Forces, and those rooted in credibility, including the Judiciary, Electoral Commission, and Auditor-General.
He indicated that this distinction underscores the critical role of credibility-based institutions in maintaining the integrity of Ghana’s democratic framework.
Accordingly, Prof. Abotsi stressed that for the EC, which relies on trust and confidence, perception takes precedence over reality, making it crucial to manage and address public perceptions effectively.
He emphasized that audits of the voter register, even if contentious, are justified precisely because they promote transparency.
Prof. Abotsi asserted that greater transparency can only be beneficial and cannot be detrimental to the electoral process.
Mahama Defends NDC’s EC Protest
Meanwhile, former President John Dramani Mahama, flagbearer of the NDC, vigorously defended his party’s decision to protest against the EC, emphasizing the need for transparency and accountability in the electoral process.
Mahama called on citizens to rally behind the NDC’s campaign for a trustworthy and transparent voter register, stressing that this is essential for upholding the integrity of Ghana’s democracy and ensuring that every vote counts.
“And I just want to make a point that our issues with the Electoral Commission are not because we don’t like the commissioners or the EC. Our issue with the Electoral Commission is that we want peace during and after the election”.
“So when we raise issues about the electoral process, it is because we want the EC to sit up and do its job so that all of us can have confidence in the electoral process”.
John Dramani Mahama
The NDC flagbearer emphasized that the only way to ensure the Electoral Commission (EC) fulfills its mandate is through sustained pressure.
Mahama confirmed that the NDC will stage a demonstration at the Electoral Commission’s office on Tuesday, September 17, 2024, as part of their ongoing efforts to advocate for a credible and transparent electoral process.
Mahama emphasized that the upcoming demonstration is not exclusively for the NDC, but rather an inclusive call to action for all Ghanaians who desire a peaceful and credible electoral process.
He stated that by joining forces, citizens can collectively urge the Electoral Commission to fulfill its responsibilities and ensure a free and fair election.
The NDC maintained that the identified discrepancies in the electoral register warrant a comprehensive forensic audit to ensure accuracy and transparency.
The fact that the Electoral Commission has acknowledged these mistakes, the NDC argued, only strengthens the case for an independent audit to rectify the issues.
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