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Published on 2024-02-19 13:51:07
Dr. Eric Asare Bossman, a member of the Electoral Commission (EC) of Ghana, recently addressed the concerns raised by the public, parliamentarians, political parties, and civil society members regarding the use of ink in the voting process. In an interview with Joy FM, he acknowledged the concerns and emphasized the importance of ensuring trust in the electoral process.
He stated, “After listening to the discussions, we have heard the concerns of the general public, we have heard the parliamentarians, we have heard the concerns of the NPP and the NDC and civil society members so we have concluded that if by using the ink people will have more trust in the process, why not?” This statement reflects the commission’s commitment to addressing public apprehensions and fostering confidence in the electoral system.
Dr. Bossman clarified that the initial intent behind the use of ink was to eliminate double verification in the voting process. However, he emphasized the commission’s willingness to reconsider this approach in response to the concerns expressed by various stakeholders. This demonstrates the commission’s responsiveness to public feedback and its commitment to ensuring a transparent and credible electoral process.
The use of indelible ink has been a subject of debate, with some questioning its necessity in the age of electronic verification systems. Dr. Bossman addressed this issue, stating, “Last year we noted that we thought when you look at the procedures in our elections the idea of using the indelible ink is like you are using two layers for verification. The Commission said if Mr. Evans Mensah is coming to vote, then Mr Evans Mensah will be verified electronically for us to know that indeed Mr Mensah has been verified so when you want to go ahead to use the indelible ink then clearly you don’t have confidence in your biometric register so as a result of that we suggested that it will be better if we do away with the ink.”
This explanation sheds light on the commission’s rationale for considering alternative approaches to the verification process and its openness to reevaluating established procedures to address public concerns and improve the electoral system’s integrity.
In addition to the debate on the use of indelible ink, the EC has also proposed moving the date of general elections from December 7 to November. Dr. Bossman indicated that while the proposal may not take effect this year, the legislation required for this change will be put before Parliament soon. This demonstrates the commission’s proactive approach to legislative processes and its commitment to engaging with the relevant authorities to bring about necessary changes in the electoral framework.
The willingness of the EC to acknowledge public concerns, revisit established procedures, and engage in legislative processes reflects its commitment to transparency, responsiveness, and continuous improvement in the electoral system. By addressing these issues and soliciting feedback from various stakeholders, the commission aims to foster public trust and confidence in the electoral process, ultimately contributing to the integrity and credibility of Ghana’s elections.
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