CODEO deploys 100 long-term observers ahead of Dec. 7 polls

The Coalition of Domestic Election Observers (CODEO) has deployed 100 Long-Term Observers (LTOs) across all 16 regions of the country to observe the pre-election environment.

The exercise commenced on October 1 and is scheduled to end on December 4, 2024, in the lead-up to the presidential and parliamentary elections on December 7, 2024. 

A statement issued and signed by the National Coordinator, CODEO, Albert Kofi Arhin, last Wednesday, said the observers would focus on monitoring activities at the constituency level, including the actions of key election stakeholders such as the Electoral Commission (EC), National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), National Peace Council (NPC), security agencies, political parties, traditional and religious leaders, civil society groups and the media. 

It said their responsibilities would also include tracking incidents of electoral misconduct, ranging from intimidation and harassment of political opponents to violence, vote buying and the destruction of party paraphernalia. This initiative is aimed at ensuring transparency and promoting peaceful elections. 

Training

Prior to deployment, the observers participated in a comprehensive two-day training workshop held in both Koforidua and Kumasi to equip them with the necessary skills and knowledge to ensure the effective fulfilment of their duties. 

The Director of Policy Engagement and Partnerships at the Ghana Centre for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana), Dr Kojo Asante, at the training programme, highlighted the importance of the LTO mission, saying: “Our long-term observation mission is essential in promoting transparency and building public confidence in the electoral process. By deploying observers months before election day, we can identify potential and emerging issues and hotspots early and work with stakeholders to address them for a free, fair and credible election.”

Mr Arhin, for his part, expressed the Coalition's long-standing commitment to electoral integrity and commended the LTOs for their dedication. 

"CODEO's commitment to electoral integrity in Ghana spans decades and it's through the dedication of citizen observers like yourselves that we've been able to make significant contributions to our democratic process," he stated.

The Director of Programmes and Operations at CDD-Ghana, Frederick Adu-Gyamfi, encouraged the observers to remain diligent and prioritise their safety while on the field.

 “As you go to the field to observe, I urge you to approach your duties with utmost diligence by reporting what you observe accurately and honestly. However, your personal safety is paramount—always prioritise your well-being and adhere to the safety protocols we've outlined,” he added.

CODEO plans to keep the public informed through bi-weekly press releases, which will summarise the observations reported by the LTOs.

Clean campaigns 

 The Coalition also urged all political stakeholders to conduct their campaigns responsibly, avoiding incitement to violence or ethnic division and promoting issue-based discourse while encouraging the EC to ensure transparency by providing timely, accurate election-related information.