Former Electoral Commissioner, Dr. Kwadwo Afari-Gyan
Former Chairman of the Electoral Commission, Ghana (EC) Dr. Kwadwo Afari-Gyan has stated that it will take more institutions than just the EC to ensure that Ghana’s electoral process attains some level of perfection.
According to Dr Afari-Gyan, there is the need for strong partnerships to be established with some institutions to provide a consolidated electoral democracy.
Dr. Afari-Gyan, who was speaking at the 5th edition of The Accra Dialogue at TV3’s Executive Theatre on Wednesday, August 22 emphasized the need for these partnerships.
“I must say straightaway that even though by law the Electoral Commission plays a leading role in establishing electoral democracy, it cannot do it all alone; it must of necessity build durable partnerships with relevant stakeholders.”
The longest serving EC Chair said the Commission must build stronger partnerships with the police, the judiciary, the Inter-Party Advisory Committee (IPAC) among others for the efficiency of the Commission.
Dr. Afari-Gyan further stated that these stakeholders usually keep the EC on its toes and make meaningful contributions towards the work of the Commission.
Speaking on the theme ‘Consolidation Ghana’s Democratic Governance: The Role of the Electoral Commission’, Dr. Afari-Gyan said although Ghana has done well over the years in terms of its elections, it is important that some reforms are made to make things better that they are.
He said the external environment in every country is very important to its electoral process.
“It has rightly been said that no matter how well an Electoral Commission does its work, unless the external environment is right, conducting free and fair elections might be like dipping a piece of white cloth in murky water and hoping that it would not be stained.”
According to him, education of the masses is very important in creating a sound environment.
He stated that this education must be well cut-out to properly address issues specifically, since the type of education needed varies.
The former EC Chair said there should be voter education and electoral education for specific and well targeted groups such as the police, party agents, journalists, and many other stakeholders.
The Accra Dialogue is a forum organised by the Institute of Law and Public Affairs, the Friedrich Ebert Stiftung Foundation and Media General to discuss national issues.
