Editorial by Ghanaian Times: Let’s help EC deliver free, fair, transparent election

The Electoral Commission (EC) is one organisation perceived to always be on the side of the government, or, for that matter, the ruling party.

Therefore, it comes as good news that the EC has assured that it is putting measures in place to ensure that the December 7, 2024, polls will 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 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 the conduct of eight peaceful elections so far, which have ensured a hitch-free transition of power.

In spite of this, every election year, some people attempt to discredit the EC, but it surmounts all odds to pass the test.

This year too, the criticisms against the EC have 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 to be the faces of the community and ascribe certain things to them.

This cannot continue forever, because that would eventually subtract from the country’s democratic achievements, 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 interests it is working, turn around to discredit it.

Meanwhile, it is a great honour for 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 on all of Ghana.

That said, the Ghanaian Times also expects the EC to not do anything in the run-up to the general election to give cause to doubt and speculation 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.