Electoral Commission is Independent

The National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) has said the Electoral Commission is truly and constitutionally, an independent body and is not subject to the direction or control of any person or authority.

Mr. Larry Bimi, NCCE Chairman, reacting to media reports that the Central Region Director of NCCE had called for the establishment of an "Independent Electoral Commission", said the Constitution establishes the independence and autonomy of EC through its functions. He said other measures are the insulation of the Commission members from any authority with a permanent tenure of office of its members and having the same conditions of service as justices of the Supreme Court.

Its expenses are also charged directly from the Consolidated Fund to ensure that governments and other interested bodies do not use financial considerations to manipulate its operations.

The NCCE Chairman said the statement was not the position of the Commission as the NCCE had worked, continues to collaborate with EC and understands the constitutional provisions establishing it. Mr Bimi said the establishment of an independent Electoral Commission was fundamental for democratic consolidation and a basis for free and fair elections. "Ghana has already established one that is internationally acclaimed". He said the Electoral Commission had successfully conducted three general elections and it had become a model for other democracies in the sub-region and beyond. "The commission cannot be described as state controlled".

Mr Bimi also described members of the Commission as men of integrity who would never bow to political, financial or any other pressure to take a decision contrary to the Constitution and their conscience.

On operations of the NCCE, Mr Bimi said most of the work of the Commission is done without media funfare.

He said NCCE has a quiz and a game on the constitution for JSS pupils, which had also been introduced to those in SSS as part of its policy to inculcate constitutionalism in the youth.