The Dean of Law School at the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA), Professor Ernest Kofi Abotsi, has called for an immediate step to address the mistrust in the Electoral Commission (EC) and its work.
He suggested that the appointment process of the chairs and other members of the Commission, going forward, be broadened and consultations widened to ensure such appointments reflected the choice of the masses.
He made the call at the annual public forum of the Ghana Academy of Arts and Sciences, in Accra, on Monday, on the theme: “National Elections in Ghana: Issues and Prospects”.
Prof Abotsi, who was speaking on the topic 'Policy and Institutional Framework of National Elections in Ghana', said the EC was constitutionally structured and established to deploy the electoral agenda of Ghana, adding that it was tasked with the mandate of supervising and administering the elections.
![](https://www.myjoyonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Politics-EC-Appointments-1-1024x682.jpg)
Article 45 of the Constitution mandates the Commission to, among other things, compile an electoral register, demarcate electoral boundaries for both national and local elections, educate the Ghanaian people on electoral processes and its purposes and undertake programmes for the expansion of the registration processes.
These functions, Prof Abotsi said, made the EC the sole body of elections in Ghana and justified its elevation above others in matters dealing with electoral governance.
Again, he said that also explained why the Commission was constitutionally set up as an independent body, detaching it from the main political branches and actors of the state.
However, he noted that the work of the Commission, over the years, had been the subject of deep contestations, especially by the two leading political parties – the National Democratic Congress and the New Patriotic Party.
“Ironically to either party, the EC is only good when the party is in power in which case they see nothing wrong with its activities or moves. To the other party in opposition, the EC is to be looked on with troubling suspicions and its decisions grilled with scepticism,” he said.
Prof Abotsi said such mistrust was concerning, attributing the scepticism and suspicions around the activities of the EC to the current mode of appointment of the Commissioner and other members of the Commission by a sitting president.
He indicated that the current status quo where the Commissioner was appointed by the sitting President who may himself be a candidate in the next election remained problematic.
He noted that the situation if not checked could lead to a phenomenon in which governments may want to come in and inevitably leave with their own appointed electoral commissioner.
![](https://www.myjoyonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Politics-EC-Appointments-2-1024x682.jpg)
The trend is “disturbing because even if this situation is deemed merely perceived and not actual, the fact that the parties view the trend as real implies that they are likely to witness retaliatory responses when they take turns of power, leading to a complete destruction of the functional autonomy of the EC,” he stressed.
He said it was imperative, therefore, that immediate steps were taken to deepen trust and confidence in the appointment process of the EC Commissioner, adding that one way to do that was to deepen and broaden the consultative aspect of the appointment process.
“I will suggest that in any future appointment of the Commissioner, sitting presidents should do well to actively consult opposition parties and engage in back-channelling with key stakeholders in the process,” he said.
He added, “Recent controversies surrounding the use of the Ghana Card in voting, voter registrations and re-registrations, etc reflect that trust deficit and the challenge unfolding needs to be cured.”
The Head of the Department of Political Science, University of Ghana, Prof Alidu Seidu, also speaking at the event, stressed the need for the Commission to put measures in place to restore public confidence in its operations.
He also urged that the powers of the Inter-Party Advisory Committee (IPAC) be strengthened to make decisions of the Committee binding on all parties, including the EC.
He spoke on the topic: “Contribution of Political Parties to National Elections for Development: An Assessment”.
Latest Stories
-
Cement manufacturers boycott stakeholder meeting with Trade Minister on new price regulation
25 mins -
Paris 2024: Harry Stacey and Joselle Mensah to represent Ghana in Swimming
35 mins -
PURC’s ‘Year of Strategic Impact’ gets results in Bono East Region
45 mins -
I listen to Kofi Kinaata and Stonebwoy because of the wisdom in their songs – Ohemaa Mercy
52 mins -
NSMQ2024: KNUST SHS makes grand entry of 76 points to national championship
54 mins -
Trump win as top court deals blow to Jan 6 case
1 hour -
There’s a gradual loss of trust for democratic rule – Francis Poku
1 hour -
We’re expecting $2.9bn from IMF, other sources to stabilise cedi – Finance Minister
1 hour -
Euro 2024: France beat Belgium to reach quarterfinals
1 hour -
Maxwell Konadu departs Nsoatreman FC, heads to Black Leopards
2 hours -
Supreme Court rules Trump has limited immunity in January 6 case, jeopardizing trial before election
2 hours -
NCDs prevention must be included in school curriculum – Prof Abekah-Nkrumah
3 hours -
Give the Black Stars maximum support – John Mensah urges Ghanaians
3 hours -
Inflation dips to 23.1% as fiscal and monetary policies take effect, says Finance Minster
3 hours -
Tensions rise in Kakpayili as suspected murderer of 2 toddlers is granted bail
3 hours