The Ghana Federation of Labour (GFL) has revealed that the Electoral Commission (EC) is politically compromised as reflected in its recent struggles to perform its electoral and administrative functions.
Mr. Abraham Koomson, GFL Secretary General, stressed that the Commission’s neutrality—a fundamental principle in election management—has been compromised, with most decisions now serving political party interests. This, he said “We must all work together to purge and restore it.”
He added, “The public has lost interest in the EC, especially some leading members of the commission who now work as if they are functionaries of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP); this is dangerous.”
Mr. Koomson told newsmen in Tema at the weekend about a recent decision by the EC Chairperson, Madam Jean Mensa, with respect to nine constituencies that the National Democratic Congress (NDC) won but are now fighting for a reversal of the declared results.
The EC’s recent actions have sparked fears of electoral catastrophe, Mr. Koomson noted and warned that the Commission’s politically motivated decisions pose a significant threat to Ghana’s democratic processes.
In light of these concerns, the GFL calls on civil society organizations, religious and traditional leaders, and the general public to join forces in purging the Electoral Commission and restoring its independence.
“This collective effort aims to ensure the Commission’s decisions serve the nation’s best interests, rather than political party agendas. The EC, in some instances, served as spokesperson for the NPP, which is a violation of their constitutional mandate,” Mr. Koomson stated.
The GFL Secretary-General expressed concern that in all disputed and challenging electoral issues, from the voter registration process, and exhibition of the voter’s register, all through to voting and collation of results, the EC and NPP seem to be working from a predetermined strategic handbook.
“As the nation navigates this critical juncture, it is essential that all stakeholders work together to promote transparency, accountability, and electoral integrity,” the GFL Secretary-General noted.
He noted that those who flouted the electoral laws should be prosecuted to end political impunity and safeguard the integrity of the ballot.
Mr. Koomson noted that the security services have to bring such offenders, including Returning Officers, to book, stressing that “we cannot sit back and allow the EC and NPP to pollute the election atmosphere in the country.”
He reminded the EC that the integrity of any electoral process is anchored in the checks and balances within the system, which, when operated properly, would produce outcomes that are acceptable, verifiable, and could be audited at every stage.
Source: ModernGhana
