The Coalition of Domestic Election Observers (CODEO) says it has trained and deployed 45 independent, non-partisan observers to 45 selected constituencies on August 20, 2024.

CODEO noted that this effort supports its mandate to engage Ghanaians in the electoral process and assist the Electoral Commission in ensuring transparent, free, fair, and peaceful elections.

In a press statement signed by CODEO's National Coordinator, Albert Kofi Arhin, it noted that these observers covered three of the seven days allocated by the Electoral Commission for the exercise.

It added that during this period, CODEO observers visited 405 exhibition centers across 45 constituencies in 8 regions, assessing various stages of the process, including arrival, setup, the exhibition itself, and the closing procedures.

“This report highlights CODEO’s voter exhibition observation findings from August 20, 2024, to August 27, 2024, including recommendations and comments on significant post-exhibition issues.”

Arrival, Set-up and Commencement of voters register exhibition exercise

The statement noted that all centers visited by CODEO observers allowed full observation of the voter exhibition process. It also reported that at most centers, the exhibition exercise began either before or shortly after the official start time of 7:00 AM.

The statement added that bservations revealed that the majority of centers (74%) started the exhibition between 6:45 AM and 7:30 AM.

“An additional 23% began between 7:30 and 10:00 AM, 2% opened before 6:45 AM, and 1% of centers opened after 10:00 AM. Notably, no centers visited by CODEO observers failed to open for the exhibition.”

The statement noted that the vast majority (95%) of the exhibition centers were physically accessible to persons with disabilities and the elderly. However, it also highlighted that 5% of the centers were not disability-friendly

“CODEO observers confirmed the availability of essential materials for the exhibition exercise at all centers observed.

These include the Provisional Voters Register, Objection Forms, Correction Forms, and Inclusion Forms.”

Representation of Political Party Agents and Uniformed Security Personnel

at Exhibition Centers

It said that CODEO observers also noted the minimal presence of party agents at exhibition centers visited for the two most dominant political parties in  Ghana, New Patriotic Party (NPP) and National Democratic Congress (NDC).

“ for instance, party agents from the NDC were seen at only 15% of  the centers visited by CODEO observers, while agents from the NPP were present at just about 10% of exhibition centers observed. No agents were observed for any other party.

“There was however visible presence of uniformed security personnel at exhibition centers. Observers sighted personnel at most (80%) exhibition centers visited, a situation which fostered a sense of order and safety.”

Voters Register Exhibition Process

The statement noted that at 80% of the centers visited by CODEO observers, EC officials provided instructions to registered voters on how to verify their details on the register, facilitating a smooth exhibition process.

However, it also added that inconsistencies in how EC officials instructed voters on making claims or objections to the voter register.

It further noted that while many centers effectively informed voters about the process, some centers did not consistently offer this guidance.

“All centers allowed registered voters to check their names on the register, demonstrating transparency and inclusivity. At all the centers visited by CODEO observers, there were no reported incidents of harassment or intimidation directed at EC officials, party agents, observers, or registered voters during the exhibition exercise.”

Conclusions and Recommendations

It said that CODEO’s observation of the 2024 Voters Register Exhibition Exercise highlights a generally well-organized process at the exhibition centers by officials of the Electoral Commission of Ghana, with most centers opening on time and providing necessary guidance to voters. However, the limited presence of party agents at  exhibition centers and other minor issues demand attention to ensure a more comprehensive and credible process.

The statement noted that due to the low representation of party agents at the exhibition centers, the Coalition urges all political parties to enhance the deployment of agents in future voter exhibition exercises.

It added that this will allow for grievances to be addressed and help build confidence and trust in the voters' register.

The statement said that the Electoral Commission should prioritize the training and supervision of officials at exhibition centers to ensure consistent and clear communication about the process for making claims and objections on the voter register.

It further added that this is essential for maintaining the accuracy of the register and ensuring that all eligible voters can correct errors or raise concerns.

The statement also urged the Electoral Commission to increase public awareness for future exhibition exercises to help remove ineligible persons, such as deceased individuals and other unqualified entries, from the register.

“CODEO will encourage the EC to have a focal person communication specialist to improve consistency and coordination in its engagement with the public as we enter the busy period of the elections.”

The statement noted that CODEO has observed reports concerning the illegal transfer of voters and the subsequent call by the NDC for a forensic audit of the register, along with the EC’s responses. It added that the purpose of the exhibition exercise is to identify and correct discrepancies, inaccuracies, and other issues with the register.

It further added that therefore, all stakeholders—including political parties, aspiring candidates, and the public—are encouraged to take the exhibition process seriously.

“IPAC has always offered a good platform for engaging substantively and pragmatically to resolve these matters. CODEO calls on all stakeholders to continue to use the platform to resolve all grievances. Going forward on this issue, we entreat the EC to effectively and transparently address to the concerns of all stakeholders to boost their confidence and trust in the voter register.

CODEO will continue to monitor electoral processes and provide recommendations to enhance the credibility and effectiveness of electoral activities in Ghana.”