From Opaque Ballot Boxes to Biometric Verification: Ghana's journey of electoral reforms

Ghana's electoral history is one that has enjoyed a continuous transformation, characterized by electoral reforms that aim to strengthen the integrity, transparency, and inclusivity of the country’s democratic process.

Among the most important reforms is the transition from opaque ballot boxes to transparent ones in 2000, and the use of coloured photo ID cards in the same year, the introduction of biometric voters registers and verification processes in 2012.

The introduction of biometric voter registration and subsequently the verification systems marked a major leap forward in the fight against voter impersonation and fraud.

These systems ensured that only eligible voters can participate, enhancing the credibility and transparency of the electoral process.

According to the EC Chairperson, Jean Mensa, these reforms were major interventions introduced by her predecessors to strengthen the credibility of the elections.

These reforms were also part of broader efforts to make Ghana’s elections more inclusive and participatory.

Political parties, Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), and ordinary citizens were increasingly involved at every stage.

This inclusivity did not only make the electoral process more democratic, but it also strengthened public trust in the system.

However, despite these positive strides, some developments have raised questions about the effectiveness of these reforms.

In the 2020 election, the EC faced widespread criticisms when it initially declared an incorrect presidential result.

The mistakes and subsequent corrections — some of which saw figures exceeding 100% of valid votes — sparked protests, particularly from the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), which took their claims to the Supreme Court.

Though the court dismissed the NDC's case, the damage to the EC’s credibility was significant, with many questioning the trustworthiness of the election management body.

In 2024, the EC faced another challenge when reports emerged about missing Biometric Verification Devices (BVDs).

The NDC alleged that seven devices had gone missing, raising fears of potential election fraud.

However, the EC swiftly debunked these claims, asserting that none of the devices had been lost.

As Ghana prepares for the 2024 elections, the EC is expected to make it clear that it remains committed to ensuring a free, fair, transparent, and credible election process.

Also, the need to restore public trust in the EC has never been more urgent.

While technological advancements and inclusive reforms have set the stage for a more transparent and participatory process, the EC is also expected to work diligently to

address past mistakes and reassure the public of its commitment to free and fair elections.

The future of Ghana’s democracy depends on its ability to maintain and build upon the reforms that have made it a remarkable example of democratic governance in Africa.

If these efforts succeed, the 2024 election could represent the apex of Ghana’s democratic achievements in the Fourth Republic.

JKB/AE

You can watch today’s compilation of the Twi news below: