Prof. Kwaku Azar Asare, a governance fellow at CDD-Ghana, has praised the Electoral Commission (EC) for acknowledging the ballot shortfall and inviting political parties to observe the printing process, describing these actions as commendable initial efforts to address the issue.
However, he expressed concern over the timing of the acknowledgment, noting that such revelations just days before the election raise serious questions about the Commission’s preparedness and operational efficiency.
According to Prof. Asare, this late acknowledgment risks eroding public trust in the EC’s ability to conduct the electoral process effectively and transparently.
He emphasized the need for the EC to provide a detailed and comprehensive explanation regarding the ballot shortfalls, as clarity on the matter is essential to maintaining confidence in the integrity of the upcoming elections.
“GOGO has noted the recent release from the Electoral Commission (EC) regarding shortfalls in ballot papers. With elections just days away, such a communication raises serious operational, legal, and trust-related challenges.
“The issue could be interpreted as incompetence or negligence, further jeopardizing the perceived legitimacy of the election. This risk is heightened by the fact that the shortfalls specifically affect constituencies in the Volta Region, a politically sensitive area traditionally associated with strong support for certain political parties”.
Prof. Kwaku Azar Asare
He further noted that the specificity of the ballot shortfalls, even if unintentional, could heighten public perceptions of deliberate manipulation or attempts at disenfranchisement.
According to Prof. Asare, such concerns are especially pronounced in the absence of a detailed and transparent explanation from the Electoral Commission (EC) regarding the discrepancies.
He emphasized that this lack of clarity risks deepening suspicions of foul play, particularly if similar issues are not observed in other regions, creating an impression of targeted irregularities.
The governance expert stated that from an operational standpoint, he highlighted the significant logistical challenge of printing and distributing additional ballots within such a short timeframe.
He noted that any delays in delivering these materials to polling stations could not only disrupt voting on election day but also lead to allegations of voter suppression or administrative incompetence.
Accordingly, he stressed that addressing these issues promptly and transparently, he argued, is crucial to preserving public confidence in the integrity of the electoral process.
EC’s Ballot Shortfall Risks Flagged
Furthermore, Prof. Kwaku Azar Asare noted that while the EC’s invitation for political party representatives to observe the printing process is a positive step, the short notice could pose challenges.
He stated that parties may struggle to organize their representatives effectively, diverting critical resources at a crucial moment.
Prof. Asare noted that from a legal perspective, any irregularities or delays involving ballot papers could provide grounds for disputes.
He noted that this could potentially delay the declaration of results or raise doubts about the overall credibility of the election.
Additionally, reports of these shortfalls may discourage voters in the affected constituencies.
He stressed that concerns about logistical challenges on election day could lead some voters to question whether their ballots will be accurately counted. Such fears risk undermining trust in the electoral process.
“The EC must publicly explain the cause of the ballot shortfalls and outline measures being taken to ensure timely delivery of materials to all constituencies. Clear, transparent communication can help mitigate suspicions and rebuild trust.
“The EC should ensure that the printing and distribution of additional ballot papers are completed well ahead of election day. A detailed timeline of actions should be shared with political parties and stakeholders to enhance accountability”.
Prof. Kwaku Azar Asare
Prof. Kwaku Azar Asare emphasized that the EC must ensure equal opportunities for all political parties and independent candidates to observe the printing process.
For those unable to attend on short notice, he suggested providing virtual observation options.
He also stressed the need for the EC to prepare robust contingency plans to address potential delays in printing or distribution. These measures should ensure that voting in the affected constituencies proceeds without disruption.
Prof. Asare further urged the EC to provide regular progress updates to stakeholders and the public on the printing and distribution of the additional ballots.
He cautioned that the timing and implications of this communication significantly threaten the credibility of the election process. “Transparency, efficiency, and proactive stakeholder engagement are critical to mitigating these risks and ensuring a smooth and trustworthy election”.
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