PRESS RELEASE: Suggestions For 2016 Polls
Once again, Ghanaians have shown the whole world it’s true democratic credentials in the just ended 2012 general polls. Great leaders and observers are showering their praises on Ghana for coming out successfully in her democratic exercise.
Ghananewsaid.com also keenly monitored the elections and feels satisfied with the total proceedings despite the hitches. We wish to congratulate the declared winner, H.E John Dramani Mahama and all actors in the electioneering game. We also urge all loosing parties to wholly accept defeat. Those who feel done-in should use the appropriate laid down systems to seek redress.
Within two shakes of a duck’s tail, the year 2016 will be nigh with us, and Ghanaians will have to decide whether to renew the mandate of the current administration or otherwise.
Seeing that 2016 general polls are quite imminent, we believe that the best time to prepare is now.
Ghananewsaid.com wishes to propose a two-way system of voting in 2016. First, we propose a “PHONE-BASE” system of voting where a software is developed and a short code given. In this system, a mobile subscriber (on all networks) will text their registration numbers to the short-code, whereupon an auto-reply is sent him/her asking two (2) questions; one for parliamentary since the various constituencies and MP aspirants names would have been configured in the system, and the subscriber will choose one of the lot. The second will be for the president, where because it is a one constituency, voters will text back and vote and the results collated. We believe this should cost the Ghanaian voter nothing.
The system should be structured to avoid multiple voting. When this is done, we believe it will make voting easier, faster, and convenient and will shorten long queues and do away with unnecessary pressure on the Biometric equipment. We have had talks with people inclined in the field of I.T and indications are that a feat like that is possible. Currently, there are over 16.7 million mobile phone users nationwide, so let us as a nation make good use of technology in electoral matters.
We also concede that not all mobile phone subscribers are technologically inclined. These are the ones that may use the biometric system of voting. The Biometric system of voting, from the just ended polls has helped our democratic discourse as a country. Adding the phone – based system will greatly enhance our image as a nation.
We believe that in going for the duo system, elements of doubts, intents of rigging and any other factors that will mar the beauty of our elections will be done away with. This is our contribution as a member of the fourth estate of the realm to our electioneering discourse in the year 2016.
God bless Ghana, God bless us all!!!
Signed
Jonas Adjei-Ntiedu (Editor – In – Chief)
Ghananewsaid.com (Member, Murdeikline Group) P.O. Box AN 15853, Accra- North Contact: +233-(20)-8450-342, (26)-8450-342 e-mail:info@ghananewsaid.com Website: www.Ghananewsaid.com
