A section of the public has admonished the Electoral Commission (EC) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) to resolve their issues. There is nothing wrong disagreeing, but a protracted dispute could disturb our democracy if not properly managed.
The NDC before the 2020 elections raised concerns about a new voters register. The EC went ahead to initiate the process of a new voters register. The feud started from there when EC was accused of conniving with the ruling NPP government. From this time, the NDC partially boycotted activities with the EC. This created a high sense of mistrust between the two, EC and the NDC. What we should note is that, either party are important to the nurturing of Ghana’s democracy. The NDC disagreed with the results of 2020 presidential election and filed a challenge at the supreme court of Ghana. The case was dismissed following ‘insufficient prove’ from the NDC. The NDC and its following are heard insinuating a perception of control from the NPP government.
The NDC recently shared some suggestions as reforms to the office of the EC. The response and posture of EC has created more doubts to the NDC and followers. Former President John Dramani Mahama was heard on a Kumasi based FM, New Mercury FM, slamming the Electoral Commission for rejecting the National Democratic Congress’ (NDC) recommendations for post-2020 electoral reform.
He said “Since this woman was appointed, it feels like she is on a warpath with the NDC. This EC Chairperson has said the NDC is the biggest threat to the country. Do you think such a person can ensure neutrality between parties? It is obvious they [EC] have a certain prejudice against NDC. Whenever we suggest anything, they rubbish it.”
The former President further stated that there is a prejudice formed against the NDC and he thinks that it influenced the rejection of their proposal. We will recall that the leadership of the NDC in August 2021 released a list of proposals it believes would help strengthen the country’s electoral system. The EC thinks that should be directed to IPAC – inter-party Advisory committee for further deliberation. However, the NDC thinks EC should have received it for discussions.
It is obvious that the two parties have issues to resolve and realign for the sake of our peace and democracy. We can’t wait till peak periods then we rush to resolve. This is a good time to call the two to a resolution table for consensus. This is non-negotiable as that could degenerate and affect many other issues. Responsible institutions such Peace council, NGO’s and individuals of good standing, Like the National Chief Imam, Former President Kufuor Pastor Mensa Otabil should defuse this tension to assure a peaceful political season come 2024.
by Abdul Latif I M, 22nd September, 2021.
