CSOs call for national dialogue on electoral process

The Executive Director of STAR-Ghana Foundation, Alhaji Ibrahim-Tanko Amidu, has proposed a national dialogue that involves all stakeholders and the general public as a way to restore confidence in the Electoral Commission (EC). 

He believes that such an inclusive approach was crucial for drawing lessons from past elections to improve future electoral outcomes to make elections more inclusive, secure and transparent for all citizenry.

He cited the ongoing controversies around the voters’ register as signs of a broader issue related to the public’s perception of the EC’s transparency and accountability.

Therefore, he cautioned that unresolved conflicts could worsen, adding that “until a solution is found and the perception resolved, political parties will continue to raise these concerns.”

Dialogue

As the 2024 general election­ approach, Alhaji Amidu said a national dialogue was critical for ensuring a peaceful, credible electoral process that supports Ghana’s democratic stability.

He made the call during an election webinar organised by STAR-Ghana Foundation on the theme: “Towards Peaceful, Inclusive Elections: Lessons from CSOs’ Experiences.”

Funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), the webinar discussed the role of civil society organisations (CSOs) in Ghana’s electoral process within the Fourth Republic.

It also explored strategies for promoting peaceful and inclusive elections.

The Executive Director of the Institute for Democratic Governance (IDEG), Dr Emmanuel Akwetey, emphasised the crucial role played by the National Peace Council in ensuring peace in the country.

However, he said addressing electoral violence and ensuring peace during elections requires support from all sectors of society.