The Civic Forum Initiative (CFI), consisting of key Civil Society Organizations(CSOs), including the Institute for Democratic Governance (IDEG), has waded into what appears to be a standoff between the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the Electoral Commission (EC), urging both parties to engage constructively instead of the needless tension.
“As the Civic Forum Initiative, we believe that the impasse between the NDC and the EC can be resolved without confrontation. Instead, it requires sincere and constructive dialogue between all stakeholders involved. We propose that the Electoral Commission commit to an independent audit of the final voters’ register once it is completed and in good time. We urge all stakeholders to prioritize the national interest and to work towards peaceful and credible elections in the forthcoming presidential and parliamentary elections,” the CSOs stated.
The Civil Society Organizations after an emergency meeting last Monday, 16 September, 2024, intimated that “As we approach a pivotal moment in our nation’s democratic process, we believe it is crucial for all stakeholders to act in the best interest of peace, stability, and electoral integrity. This statement serves as a call for calm, dialogue, and a commitment to a transparent resolution that reinforces the strength of our democracy.”
As a major stakeholder in the electoral process, the NDC, the CFI argues, has a legitimate right to demand a register that is fit for purpose but that “…we are also mindful of the potential risks that large-scale demonstrations can pose, particularly in the current politically charged environment. Therefore, we appeal to the NDC and all protest organizers to ensure that these demonstrations remain peaceful and lawful. The safety of all Ghanaians must be the top priority, and any actions that could incite violence or unrest must be avoided at all costs.”
The integrity of the voters’ register, according to the CSOs, is not merely a political issue—it is a matter of protecting the democratic rights of every Ghanaian citizen and “Therefore urge the EC to act expeditiously and transparently in the finalisation of the register. This function is crucial to reinforcing public confidence in the performance of its role.”
As civil society, the CFI, indicated in the release signed by Dr Angela Dwamena-Aboagye Dr the Chairperson for Civic Forum Initiative and Executive Director of IDEG, Emmanuel O. Akwetey, it remained committed to supporting a peaceful and credible election processes and outcomes, assuring that “We stand ready to assist in any way possible to ensure that the 9th consecutive presidential and parliamentary elections would strengthen Ghana as the beacon of multiparty democracy in West-Africa.”
The NDC has raised concerns about what it says are errors and discrepancies in the Voters’ Register of the 2024 elections, which, if left unresolved, could undermine the credibility of the elections. These concerns have prompted the NDC to demand a forensic audit of the 2024 Voters’ Register, believing that only a comprehensive investigation can restore their faith in the register.
However, in spite of assurances from the EC that, the ongoing finalization of the voters’ register is a procedural requirement that must be completed before any audit could take place, and imploring the NDC to exercise restraints, the NDC yesterday embark on a nationwide demonstration to reinforce its demand for a forensic audit of the voters’ register for the 2024 elections.
