Care for Free and Fair Elections Ghana (CARE GHANA) has cautioned the Electoral Commission (EC) of the far-reaching consequences of recruiting political actors as Returning Officers for the 2024 December general elections.
The group warns such action in competitive elections can introduce troubling conflict of interest that undermines the credibility of the electoral process and potentially erode public confidence in the fairness and neutrality of the Electoral Commission.
In a press release dated April 26, the group emphasises that the politicisation of election administration undermines the principles of democracy and jeopardises the acceptance of election results among the electorate.
It further said that the implications of this decision are profound, as it erodes the foundation of trust upon which democratic institutions are built and undermines the legitimacy of the electoral process.
“This action by the EC is a slap in the face to every citizen who entrusts their confidence to the electoral process, expecting fairness and transparency in return.
"The public's faith in the electoral system is at stake, and failure to address this issue could have long-lasting consequences for the stability of our democracy.
"The credibility of our electoral system hinges on the trust of the people, and it is incumbent upon the authorities to uphold the highest standards of transparency and fairness in conducting the 2024 elections," part of the statement said.
The group argued that a similar incident occurred in the 2020 elections which witnessed numerous infractions, illegalities and errors.
They highlighted that entrusting individuals with strong political affiliations to oversee the electoral process compromises its integrity and betrays public confidence.
“This egregious action not only undermines the credibility of the electoral process but also challenges the very essence of democracy practised in the country.
"The EC has a duty to uphold the highest standards of impartiality and fairness in conducting elections, and it must not waver in fulfilling this sacred responsibility,” Care Ghana said.
The group said it was time for the EC to safeguard the integrity of Ghana's democracy and restore public trust in the electoral process, adding that corrective action must be taken to rectify this situation.
Furthermore, Care Ghana said the recruitment of hardcore politicians as Returning Officers must be reconsidered, and measures put in place to forestall future occurrences.
“Recruitment must be based on merit, impartiality, and commitment to upholding the integrity of our elections.”