Transparency key to peaceful elections in Ghana – EU observers

The European Union Election Observation Mission (EU EOM) to Ghana says the need for transparency at all levels of the electoral process is a guarantee for peaceful elections and swift conflict resolution.

Interacting with the media in Accra Thursday, the Chief Observer and Head of the team, Tamas Meszerrics, also indicated the Mission is satisfied with Ghana’s justice system on the elections.

“Transparency at every stage of the elections process, not just the polling day, is one of the most important safeguards. This is one of the best guarantees for the acceptance of the results and therefore, for a peaceful resolution to political conflict to the ballot.

“We are fully satisfied that the legal framework, which conforms to international standards, that are important benchmarks. So as long as the elections are held according to the law in Ghana, there should be absolute fairness”.

The EU EOM is in the country to access the conduct of Ghana’s December 7 general elections against the country’s laws as well as regional and international standards.

It will also conduct a comprehensive and impartial analysis on a number of election related processes including the legal framework, the performance of the election administration, voter registration, campaign activities, voting counting, transmission of results and conduct of the media among others.

The Team has been in the country since Tuesday and held consultations with the Electoral Commission, political parties, government ministers and stakeholders.

A total of 80 members of the team will be deployed on December 7. Meanwhile, some 24 long-term observers have been deployed to all ten regions of the country.

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