A study conducted by the International Republican Institute (IRI) and the National Democratic Institute (NDI), both civil society organizations, have revealed that despite Ghana’s ability to conduct peaceful and credible elections over the years, a number of issues have hampered the full confidence and participation of citizens in the electoral process.
Conducted virtually from October 20 to October 29, this year by a joint IRI and NDI team, the report projected keen competition in the upcoming general elections with political parties focusing their messages on pertinent national issues.
Key Findings
“Over the past seven election cycles, Ghana has demonstrated its ability to deliver well-administered elections. The 2020 polls are expected to be competitive. Political campaigns are increasingly focused on issues that matter to Ghanaians rather than on the personalities of the candidates. A vibrant civil society and a segment of increasingly professional media are contributing to a more informed, discerning and engaged citizenry”, the reported stated.
It added however that “full public confidence will require measures to address persistent challenges in Ghana’s electoral process” key among them being perceived lack of transparency around “important steps” in the electoral cycle; the presence of vigilante groups, and the pervasiveness of disinformation, hate speech and inflammatory language.
Low level of inclusion in the electoral process as occasioned by the low number of women candidates in the upcoming elections all constitute factors for the decline in public confidence in the electoral process.
Recommendations
In a bid to boost public confidence, the study made series of recommendations which include the facilitation of signature pledges on the part of political actors at both national and regional levels by the National Peace Council (NPC) and other traditional and religious leaders; enhancement of transparency in the voter register by the Electoral Commission (EC) by making the full final voter register available to political parties, as well as citizens and international observers in an electronic and analyzable format; and periodic engagement between political parties, civil society and the media with the aim of building consensus on solutions.
Others were publicizing of outcomes of its meetings and measures taken to ensure election security by members of the National Election Security Task Force (NESTF); placing a national ban on violence against women in elections, including hate speeches and cyber bullying often targeted at women; while creating space as well as providing financial and other forms of support to women candidates; and the amplification of efforts by media outfits in collaboration with civil society to create platforms for candidate and inter-party debates and discussions of issues of national interest.
“Ghana’s strong institutions, free and open political space, and commitment to democracy lay the foundation for inclusive, transparent and accountable elections. Throughout our virtual assessment, Ghanaians expressed a fervent desire for these polls to meet the high expectations that they have come to hold for their elections”, said Constance Newman, a member of the IRI Board.
On his part, NDI Vice-President Shari Bryan said: “In the remaining weeks ahead of the December 7 polls there is still sufficient time for electoral actors to take steps to instill more confidence in the electoral process, mitigate the risks of electoral violence, encourage the full participation of all voters and deliver on Ghanaians’ high expectations for their democracy.”