Let’s help EC deliver free, fair, transparent election
The Electoral Commission (EC) is one organisation perceived to be always on the side of government and for that matter the ruling party.
Therefore, it comes as good news the EC has assured that it is putting measures in place to ensure that the December 7, 2024 polls shall be free, fair and transparent.
This assurance given by the Chairperson of the Commission, Mrs Jean Mensa, at Parliament on Friday is an important message to the whole country.
It appears the EC, cannot be trusted by a section of the Ghanaian public and this section changes to the other, depending on which political party is in power.
Meanwhile, since the inception of the country’s Fourth Republic, power has rotated between only the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the New Patriotic Party (NPP).
There is no doubt that Ghana has distinguished itself as a giant in democratic governance among its peers in Africa.
Among other things, this feat is due to its conduct of peaceful elections, eight so far, which has ensured hitch-free transition of power.
In spite of this, every election year, some people attempt to discredit the EC, it surmounts all odds to pass the test.
This year too, the criticisms against the EC has started in earnest.
The Ghanaian Times thinks it is about time the talebearers outlived that behaviour.
As a human institution, the EC may be found wanting at one time or another.
However, it has to be constructively criticised but not crucified as it has nothing to show for its credibility.
The problem is that the critics always consider the personalities being the faces of the Commission and ascribe certain things to them.
This cannot continue forever, because that would eventually subtract from the country’s democratic achievement and the result would not be good for the country.
The EC would do all it can to ensure free and fair elections but its efforts can still be doubted by others, if Ghanaians, the people in whose interest it is working, turn round to discredit it.
Meanwhile, it is great honour to all Ghanaians if the country is touted as being a beacon of democracy in Africa.
If this is so, then every Ghanaian should support the EC to discharge its duties as expected, rather than seek every opportunity to bastardise it.
Therefore, if nothing at all, the assurance given by the EC to conduct another free, fair and transparent general election must be viewed as an invitation to all Ghanaians to help it just do that.
The truth is that even though the EC is in charge of the conduct of the 2024 general election, its success does not depend on only its efforts but all Ghana.
That said, the Ghanaian Times also expects the EC would not do anything in the run up to the general election to give cause to doubt and speculations that can undermine the country’s electoral credentials.
Let the EC and all Ghanaians safeguard the country’s peace and stability before, during and after this year’s election.