Mistrust in the very institutions tasked with safeguarding Ghana’s democracy is emerging as a significant threat to the integrity of the upcoming presidential and parliamentary elections. Alarming new data from the West African Network for Peace Building (WANEP) reveals deep-seated doubts about the Electoral Commission and the Ghana Police Service, raising concerns about their ability to conduct free and fair elections.
At a peace forum held in Accra, Dr. Festus Obeng, the Regional Coordinator for Research and Capacity Building at WANEP, presented the findings from the early warning data.
He highlighted that public confidence in the electoral process is critical for fostering a peaceful electoral environment.
“The data indicates that a substantial number of citizens are losing faith in the very institutions that are supposed to uphold democratic values and ensure fair elections,” Dr. Obeng stated.
The research uncovered troubling sentiments among the populace, with many expressing skepticism regarding the impartiality of the Electoral Commission and the effectiveness of the police in maintaining law and order during the electoral process.
Dr. Obeng noted that these concerns are compounded by previous incidents of electoral violence and allegations of bias, which have left lasting scars on the public psyche. “This mistrust could lead to increased tensions and conflict as we approach the elections,” he warned.
Moreover, Dr. Obeng stressed the need for immediate action to address these issues and restore public confidence.
He called for greater transparency from the Electoral Commission and the police, as well as active engagement with civil society organizations to promote trust and accountability. “We must ensure that citizens feel empowered to participate in the electoral process without fear or intimidation,” he urged.
The peace forum, attended by various stakeholders, including political parties, civil society organizations, and community leaders, served as a platform to discuss strategies for fostering a peaceful electoral environment.
Participants emphasized the importance of dialogue and collaboration among all parties to mitigate the risks of electoral violence and ensure a democratic process.
In light of the findings, WANEP plans to launch awareness campaigns aimed at educating citizens about their rights and the electoral process, as well as encouraging them to report any irregularities.
Dr. Obeng concluded by reiterating the critical role that a trustworthy Electoral Commission and a competent police force play in ensuring a peaceful and democratic election.
“It is our collective responsibility to protect the integrity of our democracy,” he stated, urging all stakeholders to work together to rebuild trust and confidence in these essential institutions.
As Ghana approaches the elections, the call for accountability and transparency has never been more urgent, as the stability of the nation’s democratic processes hangs in the balance.
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Story by Osei Akoto (Teacher Kojo) #Ahotoronline.com
