The Civic Forum Initiative (CFI), a coalition of key Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) including the Institute for Democratic Governance (IDEG), has called on the Electoral Commission (EC) to commit to an independent audit of the final voters’ register once it is completed.
This comes in response to growing concerns raised by the National Democratic Congress (NDC) over alleged discrepancies in the voters’ register ahead of the 2024 general elections.
The NDC, in expressing its frustration, has announced plans to embark on a nationwide protest against the EC to demand the resolution of these discrepancies. The protests are expected to take place across the country’s 16 regional capitals. The opposition party has consistently maintained that the current voter registration process is flawed, leading to concerns about the credibility of the upcoming elections.
In a statement released on Monday, the Civic Forum Initiative stressed that the standoff between the NDC and the EC could be resolved without confrontation. According to the group, constructive dialogue and a commitment to transparency from all stakeholders could help address the issues raised and ensure that the elections are credible.
“As the Civic Forum Initiative, we believe that the impasse between the NDC and the EC can be resolved without confrontation. Instead, it requires sincere and constructive dialogue between all stakeholders involved,” the statement read.
The CFI’s proposal for an independent audit of the final voters’ register is seen as a way to restore trust in the electoral process. The group is advocating for the audit to be conducted promptly, allowing enough time for any necessary corrections or adjustments before the elections. This, they believe, would help to build public confidence in the voter registration process and ultimately contribute to peaceful and credible elections.
“We propose that the Electoral Commission commit to an independent audit of the final voters’ register once it is completed and in good time. We urge all stakeholders to prioritize the national interest and to work towards peaceful and credible elections in the forthcoming presidential and parliamentary elections,” the CFI’s statement continued.
The CFI also reaffirmed its commitment to supporting a peaceful electoral process and emphasized the importance of strengthening Ghana’s democratic institutions. The organization pointed to the country’s history of successful elections and highlighted the need to continue that tradition.
“We stand ready to assist in any way possible to ensure that the nine consecutive presidential and parliamentary elections would strengthen Ghana as the beacon of multiparty democracy in West Africa,” the CFI added.
The Electoral Commission has yet to respond to the CFI’s call for an independent audit of the voters’ register. However, the EC has previously maintained that it is committed to ensuring a transparent and fair election process. Despite this, the ongoing concerns raised by the NDC and other stakeholders have fueled debate about the readiness of the electoral body to conduct the 2024 elections without controversy.
As the protests planned by the NDC approach, the situation remains tense, with many Ghanaians watching closely to see how the EC will address the concerns surrounding the voters’ register. Both the CFI and other civil society groups continue to advocate for dialogue and cooperation between the EC, political parties, and other stakeholders to prevent any escalation of tensions.
With the election date drawing closer, the role of civil society in maintaining peace and promoting dialogue is becoming increasingly vital. The Civic Forum Initiative’s intervention represents an effort to mediate between the political parties and the electoral body, encouraging transparency and accountability to safeguard the integrity of the elections.
Ghana has long been regarded as a model of democracy in West Africa, with its elections serving as a testament to the strength of its institutions. However, as with any democratic process, challenges such as those surrounding the voters’ register can arise. How these challenges are addressed will be critical in determining whether the country can continue to uphold its reputation as a stable and peaceful democracy.
The call for an independent audit of the voters’ register aligns with the broader push for transparency and fairness in Ghana’s electoral process. As the NDC prepares to take its grievances to the streets, the involvement of civil society groups like the CFI may play a key role in bridging the gap between the political parties and the EC. By facilitating dialogue and promoting transparency, these groups aim to ensure that the 2024 elections are conducted in a manner that upholds Ghana’s democratic values.
In the meantime, Ghanaians await further developments from both the EC and the NDC, hoping that a peaceful resolution can be reached before the election season intensifies. The CFI’s appeal for an independent audit could potentially serve as a solution to the current impasse, helping to restore confidence in the electoral process and pave the way for a peaceful election.
