Penplusbytes launches project to educate electorate on manifestos

Penplusbytes, a non-governmental organisation (NGO) which leverages technology to promote good governance, has launched a project to educate the electorate on political party manifestos. 

The project, dubbed the “Voter’s Compass”, an innovative digital tool, was launched at the University of Professional Studies (UPSA) in Accra last Thursday on the theme: "Do Manifestos Matter?"  

It seeks to provide a platform for political leaders to present, clarify and discuss their policy positions in their manifestos; and also engage civil society organisations (CSOs) and young voters in dialogue with political parties on issues critical to national development to help voters make informed decisions ahead of the polls in December.

The Voters’ Compass was developed by Penplusbytes and its German partner VoteSwiper to provide tools for assessing and tracking manifesto commitments post-elections; and foster accountability, transparency and inclusive governance through an interactive exchange on political manifestos. 

Target

The Executive Director of Penplusbytes, Jerry Sam, indicated that the project targeted all, mainly first-time voters, and electorate interested in holding politicians accountable for their promises.

"Voters' Compass will help voters make informed decisions by providing them with credible information about what the political parties are promising. We also encourage voters to choose candidates based on policy, not personality.”

“It is particularly targeting youth voters, who are often more susceptible to misinformation about politics. Youth voters need to be aware of the issues that matter most to them and how the political parties plan to address them," he said.

Mr Sam said the project was an offshoot of “the African Elections Project with the vision of enhancing the capacity of the media, citizens and Electoral Management Bodies (EMBs) to leverage technology in promoting credible elections across Africa and foster a culture of accountability, transparency and inclusive governance—principles that lie at the core of Africa's democratic journey”. 

Voting

For her part, the Deputy German Ambassador to Ghana, Sivine Jansen emphasised the importance of informed voting in the lead-up to the December elections.

She highlighted the need for voters to understand candidates' positions on critical issues such as health care and education, adding that, “Voters' Compass will serve as an educational tool, guiding citizens to make decisions based on political issues rather than familial, regional, ethnicity and religious biases”.

Ms Jansen indicated that the elections must represent the interest of the people.

She urged political parties, candidates and all stakeholders to conduct themselves in a democratic manner to ensure a free, fair and transparent election for the country to continue to cement its good name as a beacon of democracy on the continent.