As Ghana approaches a crucial election season, former Auditor General Daniel Yao Domelevo is urging the Electoral Commission (EC) to publicly outline the specific roles of all stakeholders involved
In his interview on Joy News’ PM Express on Tuesday, he called for clear communication from the EC regarding the roles of entities such as the police and the army, especially in maintaining a peaceful election process.
His comments follow findings from the latest Afrobarometer Survey, which points to an increasing distrust in institutions, including the EC, alongside rising corruption levels.
In an interview on Joy News’ PM Express on Tuesday, Dr Asante stated that the trend data on public confidence in the EC is particularly alarming.
“If you look at the trend data, it’s that over time, the trust in the electoral management body has declined significantly,” he stated.
He noted that, while some measures have been taken by the EC to improve transparency and restore trust, more needs to be done to reverse the current trajectory.
Suggesting ways for the EC to regain its public trust, Mr Domelevo said, “We need clarity from the EC on what role every stakeholder, including the police and army, will play during elections.”
He emphasised the need for reassurance that the military presence would not be used to “intimidate or scare people.”
Acknowledging the stakes of the upcoming elections, Mr Domelevo stressed that the EC must be transparent to mitigate public apprehension and promote confidence.
“The EC should openly communicate with the leadership of the army, police, and even the government, reassuring the public that there will be no acts of intimidation,” he stated.
“We need comfort, not a show of terror, and we need to know the army’s role isn’t to intimidate but to ensure order.”
Mr Domelevo underscored the importance of establishing trust through robust communication channels.
“If the EC can transparently outline each role and confirm that stakeholders are aligned on peaceful practices, then we can have an election free from undue fear,” he concluded, highlighting the need for a commitment from all parties involved.