THE NATIONAL Democratic Institute (NDI) Observer Delegation from the United States has urged the Electoral Commission (EC) of Ghana to undertake a thorough post-election review of the conduct of the 2016 polls – both internally and with election stakeholders – and adopt appropriate recommendations on improvements to the process in order to attain and consolidate best practices.
NDI made the call yesterday in Accra at a press conference to issue its post-election preliminary statement on the Wednesday (and in an isolated case, Thursday) presidential and parliamentary elections held across the country.
The delegation includes 30 political and civic leaders, election experts and regional specialists from 14 countries.
Leadership of the delegation comprises Ambassador Johnnie Carson, former assistant secretary for African Affairs, U.S. State Department; J. Yvonne Mokgoro, former judge, South African Constitutional Court; Dr. Christopher Fomunyoh, senior associate and regional director for Africa, NDI.
The statement was jointly read by Johnnie Carson, Yvonne Mokgoro, Christopher Formunyoh and Patrick Merloe.
It recommended that the EC make the voter register available in a timely manner for independent verification by political parties and civil society in future elections.
NDI also appealed to the EC to pay critical attention to the need for enhancing the efficiency and transparency of the Special Voting procedures.
It asked the EC to “include accredited citizen election observers deployed on Election Day in the Special Voting exercise to allow for early voting and to as well strengthen safeguards and ensure effective results transmission and reporting process.
On the conduct of the elections, NDI said the polls were conducted across the country in a very peaceful manner.
“The vast majority of polling stations visited by NDI observers received the necessary materials and opened on or close to 7: 00 am, scheduled start of voting,” it said.
According to NDI, “Poll workers, security personnel and volunteers took helpful initiatives to manage queues and calm overcrowded polling sites.
“Women were well represented among polling officials, though more efforts are needed to achieve gender parity, including among presiding officers.
“Voters turned out in large numbers in the polling stations observed. Many had waited in line since early morning, before voting started.”
Political Parties
NDI urged political parties to “call publicly on supporters to respond peacefully to the EC’s announcement of election results and seek to redress through legal avenues, should there be reason for electoral complaints.”
It also appealed to the parties to cooperate with the EC to expedite the results declaration process.
BY Melvin Tarlue