Accra, June 23, GNA – The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) Elections Committee Monday said it will stay neutral and work in the interest of members in the Association’s upcoming national elections.
A statement signed by Mr Peter Martey Agbeko, the Elections Committe Chair, said the team would continue to engage stakeholders to help maintain the dignity and credibility of the electoral process.
Responding to concerns raised by General Secretary aspirant, Mr Akwasi Agyemang, over proxy voting modalities, the Committee explained that proxy voting, in the 2025 elections, was “grounded in widely recognised electoral best practices. ”
“The decision to introduce proxy voting was not taken lightly…Proxy voting provides a legitimate option for eligible voters who, due to verified reasons, are unable to be physically present to cast their ballots,” it noted.
The statement said proxy voting was not implemented in previous elections due to lack of appropriate infrastructure, including standardised forms and a secure digital platform.
“The tumultuous circumstances at the time, including the unexpected resignation of the then Committee Chair, also made it difficult to implement progressive reforms,” it said.
“In contrast, for this election cycle, we have taken deliberate steps to ensure proper structures and safeguards are in place. A secure digital platform has been set up, and vetted proxy application forms are being used.”
Adequate safeguards had been implemented to prevent abuse of the proxy system, as applications ended June 23, 2025, the statement said.
“Each application will be scrutinised and approved on a case-by-case basis, based on submitted evidence of the applicant’s inability to vote in person.”
The Elections Committee recently issued guidelines and other regulations governing the proxy system.
In line with consultation and transparency, the Committee has scheduled June 24, 2025, for a virtual meeting to clarify and address other election-related concerns. On bloated voters register allegations, the Committee Chair called for concrete evidence to support the assertion.
“As it stands, making a general claim without particulars makes it difficult for the Committee to investigate or take corrective action. We are open to scrutiny and ready to investigate any verifiable discrepancies presented to us.”
Twelve national candidates and 50 regional candidates have been approved by the Elections Committee for the polls, scheduled for June 30, 2025.
GNA
Edited by Agnes Boye-Doe