A call for security preparedness in December elections
The upcoming December 2024 elections demand heightened precision, vigilance, and comprehensive planning from the security agencies to ensure a peaceful, transparent, and fair electoral process.
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The famous adage, “Coming events cast their shadows,” serves as a critical reminder of the need for proactive and thorough measures to address potential challenges that may arise during this crucial period.
Past incidents
The recent incidents during the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Walewale Constituency parliamentary rerun serve as a clear and concerning reminder of the need for heightened vigilance and preparedness.
The disruption and attempted interference with the voting process in the Walewale Constituency underscore the potential for unrest, malpractice and security threats during upcoming elections.
At the time of writing, the sequence of events is not entirely clear. However, voting proceeded smoothly until a known party member snatched some of the ballots being sorted after voting.
Prompt intervention by the police led to the culprit’s apprehension, securing of the ballots and their transfer to the District Police Headquarters for counting.
Nevertheless, the Electoral Commission nullified the election and declared it null and void.
The on-duty security personnel deserve commendation for their swift action in capturing the perpetrator and safeguarding the ballots. Their professionalism demonstrated that the role of security agencies extends beyond maintaining law and order.
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They demonstrated their critical role in upholding democratic values, addressing potential security challenges, and intervening swiftly where necessary. In doing so, they have significantly contributed to fostering confidence in the electoral process and upholding electoral integrity.
However, the work does not end there. It is crucial that they should demonstrate the same level of professionalism during the upcoming elections, were there to be any illegitimate interference in the electoral process.
In the interim, there is a need for a comprehensive analysis of past incidents to enable security agencies to identify vulnerabilities and develop targeted strategies to prevent similar occurrences.
They must update the incidence of flashpoints and hot spots, which have been on the rise since Ghana’s transition to democratic rule in the early 1990s. As of the 2020 elections, the police records indicated a total of 6,178 flashpoints in Ghana, with Walewale being one of them.
Going by past trends, we expect the number to be above the 6,178 reported in 2020.
Surveillance,intervention
The recent incident during the NPP Walewale Constituency parliamentary rerun is a wake-up call.
The security agencies need to establish robust nationwide surveillance mechanisms and closely monitor any signs of interference, violence or irregularities leading up to and during the elections.
These include leveraging advanced technology and data analytics proactively to detect and address potential security threats. Swift and decisive intervention in response to reported incidents is imperative to maintain public trust in the electoral process and prevent the escalation of security challenges.
It is also necessary to establish strategic planning, coordination and cooperation among various security agencies, law enforcement entities, and relevant stakeholders who constitute the Electoral Security Task Force, to effectively manage potential security threats during the elections.
This multidimensional approach should encompass intelligence sharing, joint operational planning, and the seamless coordination of security resources to address any emerging threats both promptly and professionally.
Moreover, the establishment of clear lines of communication and command structures will be critical in ensuring swift and cohesive responses to security incidents.
Upholding democratic values and integrity
The role of security agencies in ensuring a safe and secure electoral environment is instrumental in upholding the democratic process and maintaining the integrity of the elections.
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By remaining vigilant, proactive and responsive to potential security challenges, security agencies can significantly contribute to fostering confidence in the electoral process and safeguarding the rights of citizens to participate in free and fair elections.
Furthermore, public awareness campaigns and educational initiatives aimed at highlighting the importance of security measures in safeguarding democratic values can enhance public trust and cooperation.
It is critical for the public and the political parties to cooperate with the security agencies and to furnish them with critical information to facilitate their operations and to maintain the integrity of the elections.
Preparedness
The recent incidents during the NPP Walewale Constituency parliamentary rerun have underscored the pressing need for a comprehensive and proactive approach to security preparedness for the upcoming December 2024 elections.
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Prioritising surveillance, continuous monitoring, rapid intervention and seamless coordination among security agencies, in collaboration with the public, are essential to achieving a peaceful and fair electoral process.
Through these concerted efforts, security agencies, with the active support of the public and political parties, can significantly contribute to safeguarding the democratic rights of citizens and upholding the integrity of the electoral process.
The writer is a Political Scientist