The Vice President of the IMANI Centre for Policy and Education, Selorm Branttie, has strongly criticised Ghana’s Electoral Commission (EC), labelling it as a “cesspit of poor decision-making and low accountability.”
In a passionate call to action, Selorm Branttie emphasized the urgent need for extensive reforms to improve the commission’s processes, transparency, and efficiency.
“My brother Bright Simons and the rest of us at IMANI have long called for huge systemic reforms at the Electoral Commission. The Commission is a cesspit of poor decision-making and low accountability for its actions.
“We have clamoured for a review of everything from devices and the processes yet we’re met with ridicule because of selfish interests”.
Selorm Branttie, Vice President of IMANI Centre Policy and Education
According to the renowned civil activist, the commission’s operations are marred by systemic failures, including the use of outdated technologies and processes that lead to needless delays and heightened tensions during elections.
He strongly asserted that the reliance on regional collation centres is not only redundant but also a source of agitation and violence, urging the EC to embrace modern technology and streamline its operations.
Challenges with the Current EC Leadership
Selorm Branttie did not mince words when addressing the EC’s leadership, accusing it of fostering “partisan posturing” and engaging in “massive procurement breaches.” He argued that these issues have contributed significantly to the erosion of public trust in the institution.
“The EC needs a thorough cleansing from the top to bottom, starting with the massive procurement breaches and the partisan posturing of their lead personnel. They can be run with a better, cleaner and more efficient process cycle”.
Selorm Branttie, Vice President of IMANI Centre Policy and Education
He also highlighted the inefficiencies in the EC’s results declaration process, stressing that with advancements in technology, election results should be announced within 24 hours of voting, barring exceptional circumstances.
“Fax machines and other outdated methods have no place in a modern electoral process,” Selorm Branttie remarked. He emphasized the importance of the pink sheets in determining election outcomes, a position reinforced by legal precedents set during the election petition case spearheaded by his colleague, Kofi Bentil.
He argued that this clarity eliminates the need for regional collation centres, which have historically been sources of contention and conflict.
In his address, the Vice President of the IMANI Centre for Policy and Education, Selorm Branttie urged all stakeholders to set aside partisan interests and prioritize the nation’s stability.
“The needless delays and violence stemming from the EC’s inefficiencies are avoidable if we commit to real reforms,” he said. He called for a leaner, more efficient EC that is capable of conducting elections without exacerbating tensions or fostering mistrust
Selorm Branttie concluded his critique with a rallying cry for immediate action. “The change we want must begin now,” he declared, advocating for systemic reforms that will ensure the EC operates as a credible and efficient institution.
He expressed hope that Ghana could lead the way in Africa by embracing these much-needed changes.
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