Dr. Mohamed Ibn Chambas, the African Union High Representative for Silencing the Guns, has called on Ghana’s Electoral Commission (EC) to take swift action to rebuild trust with stakeholders as the country approaches a critical election period. His comments come amid mounting concerns from the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) and other political groups regarding irregularities in the voter register and other electoral issues.
Speaking during the inaugural Diplomatic Honours ceremony held in Accra, Dr. Ibn Chambas emphasized the significance of transparency and fairness in the electoral process, underlining that the EC still has an opportunity to regain the confidence of political parties and other concerned stakeholders. He acknowledged the concerns raised and urged the commission to make necessary reforms that would reassure the public of the credibility of the upcoming elections.
“It is not too late to work to win the trust and confidence of all parties and stakeholders in the electoral process,” Dr. Ibn Chambas remarked, addressing a gathering of diplomats and government officials. He stressed that concrete steps must be taken to ensure that the electoral process is perceived as open and accountable by all sides.
One of the key recommendations made by Dr. Ibn Chambas was the publication of polling station results on the Electoral Commission’s official website. According to him, this move would significantly boost transparency and address some of the concerns raised by civil society organizations and political parties. He noted that the proposal to publish polling results has been suggested by international partners on several occasions, and implementing it would serve as a major step toward restoring faith in the electoral process.
“Specifically, ensuring the publication of polling station results on the website of the Electoral Commission is one measure that will greatly advance and enhance the credibility and transparency of the process,” Dr. Ibn Chambas said. He added, “This will sound like music to some of our partners here who have made this recommendation time and again.”
As the electoral season intensifies, the EC has faced scrutiny over the accuracy and integrity of the voter register, with claims from the opposition and other groups that some citizens have been improperly disenfranchised. In response, the EC has maintained that it is committed to conducting free and fair elections, although calls for greater transparency have grown louder.
Dr. Ibn Chambas’s remarks come at a crucial time when tensions between the Electoral Commission and opposition parties are running high. Political observers have raised concerns that if the trust deficit between the EC and stakeholders is not addressed, it could undermine the legitimacy of the election results.
In his role as the African Union’s representative for Silencing the Guns, Dr. Ibn Chambas is well-versed in conflict resolution and electoral processes across the continent. His call for the EC to take proactive measures highlights the importance of credibility in electoral management, particularly in countries like Ghana, where elections have historically been contentious.
By urging the EC to prioritize transparency and accountability, Dr. Ibn Chambas is signaling the need for a unified approach to resolving electoral challenges. His recommendations are likely to be seen as a constructive way to bridge the divide between the EC and its critics, and his endorsement of specific actions, such as the online publication of polling results, provides a roadmap for the EC to follow.
As Ghana prepares for its upcoming elections, the role of the Electoral Commission will continue to be pivotal. For many Ghanaians, confidence in the electoral system is essential for the country’s democratic stability. Dr. Ibn Chambas’s call for immediate action is a reminder that the EC has the responsibility to ensure that the electoral process is transparent, fair, and inclusive.
While the Electoral Commission has yet to formally respond to Dr. Ibn Chambas’s comments, his remarks have added to the growing pressure on the institution to address the concerns raised by political parties and civil society organizations. It remains to be seen whether the EC will take up the recommendations and implement measures to restore trust ahead of the elections.
In the coming weeks, all eyes will be on how the EC handles these challenges and whether the steps it takes will be sufficient to quell the concerns of stakeholders. Dr. Ibn Chambas’s intervention has certainly elevated the conversation about electoral integrity, and his message underscores the importance of building a system that is trusted by all parties involved.
