Mercy360 Blog of Saturday, 30 November 2024
Source: Mercy Mensah
Professor Michael Kpessa-Whyte, a renowned political scientist, has raised serious concerns about the Electoral Commission's (EC) readiness and transparency ahead of Ghana's elections. He alleges that the EC may have recruited New Patriotic Party (NPP) members for critical polling station roles, which could compromise the electoral process's integrity .
Prof. Kpessa-Whyte criticizes the EC for failing to disclose the identities of individuals recruited to oversee election activities, emphasizing that transparency is essential for building public trust. He also highlights logistical concerns, such as the distribution of election materials and the functionality of biometric verification devices (BVDs) .
For instance, in Asawase, which has 215 polling stations, only 401 out of the required 430 biometric devices have been delivered. The EC's response, "we will manage," is concerning, as it could lead to delays, long queues, and potentially disenfranchise voters .
To address these concerns, Prof. Kpessa-Whyte urges the EC to:
- *Publish the list of polling station staff* to ensure transparency and accountability
- *Provide detailed information on the distribution and readiness of election materials*
- *Ensure the functionality of biometric devices* and make adequate logistical preparations to prevent disruptions
It's crucial that the EC addresses these concerns to enhance its image and public confidence in the electoral process.