The Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS), Dr. Mohammed Ibn Chambas says he is confident the Electoral Commission (EC) will deliver a free, fair and transparent election on December 7.
Some Ghanaians have questioned the EC’s ability to organize a successful election following nationwide reports of confusion over missing names clouded the special voting exercise on Thursday.
Over 127,000 security and media personnel as well as EC officials and others who will have roles to play on election day, were expected to take part in the exercise.
Although the exercise which was held in 275 constituencies was largely peaceful, there were some complaints about the list EC sent to agencies and the list used on the day.
This prevented a number of people who will be working on voting day including journalists and security personnel from voting.
Though the EC has scheduled another special voting exercise for December 4, 2016, the questions over its competence persist.
But speaking to Citi News on the sidelines of the Women’s Situation Room Cocktail with the chair of the Economic Community Of West African States (ECOWAS), Her Excellency Johnson Sirleaf, Dr. Chambers called on all to cooperate with the EC for a successful civic exercise.
“It is good that it[challenges] came up early enough. We still have time between now and election day which is December 7 so let us allow institutions to work.
“So far all the challenges that have come up have been resolved satisfactorily to the political parties and it is important that I emphasize this because they are the ones in the competition and the Electoral Commission is determined to work in a manner such that there is full consultation with political parties in whatever solutions it comes up to problems that arise.”
In a related story, Nobel Peace Laureate and Chairperson of ECOWAS Her Excellency, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has warned of the dire consequences of electoral violence.
She has therefore charged women to protect the country’s reputation as a beacon of peace.
“I can tell you that if there is violence during the elections and it spills over to the communities, there is a likelihood that a lot of people will get hurt, some people will die, properties will be destroyed, and when that starts people take advantage of the situation and it spreads beyond control. That is why we want to make sure Ghana maintains its good reputation.”
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By: Marian Ansah/citifmonline.com/Ghana
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