Kwaku Azar writes:

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Kwaku Azar

The integrity and transparency of our electoral system are vital to our democracy. We have had 2 major election petitions in the last decade. A whole constituency has been denied a place in Parliament. Some have lost their lives. A commission has been set up to investigate violence, etc.

While our Electoral Commission (EC) works to maintain a robust system, no electoral system is immune to errors or vulnerabilities. Indeed, the EC itself has acknowledged that it once had a register that had plants and animals representing human beings.

Therefore, it is essential that we enact legislation mandating regular, independent audits of our voter registration and election processes to safeguard their integrity.

It is unreasonable to maintain that audits are unnecessary because errors discovered during the voter register exhibition process will automatically be corrected. On the contrary, the identification of such errors strengthens the need for an independent audit to fully understand the source and nature of these issues. Leaving it to the discretion of the EC alone to decide if and when audits should be conducted creates an unacceptable conflict of interest.

The call for independent audits is not a partisan issue. Both major political parties—when in opposition— have supported greater transparency in the electoral process and have called for such independent audits.

However, the need for these audits must not be dictated by political interests, and the demand for them should not arise only during election cycles. To ensure consistent, transparent oversight, we must have legislation that mandates these audits.

Jean Mensa, Electoral Commission, Chairperson

GOGO calls on Parliament to introduce and pass legislation that mandates regular, independent audits of our electoral system for the following key reasons:

1. Independent audits will verify that the voter registration data is accurate, that votes are correctly counted, and that the election results reflect the true will of voters.
2. Regular, transparent audits will increase public confidence in the electoral process, ensuring that voters trust the integrity and fairness of our elections.
3. Independent audits provide a crucial mechanism for detecting and preventing fraud or interference in the electoral process, whether it involves tampering with voter data, unauthorized changes, or software vulnerabilities.
4. By proactively identifying weaknesses and inefficiencies, audits will enable reforms that strengthen the electoral system ahead of future elections.
5. Mandating audits will ensure that our electoral processes adhere to national laws and international best practices, protecting against election petitions that can undermine public faith in the system.
6. The legislation would put an end to the perennial disagreements between the EC and opposition parties over the need for such audits, creating a structured, reliable process that benefits all stakeholders.
7. Most importantly, regular audits will serve as a safeguard for our democracy, ensuring that elections remain free, fair, and truly reflective of the people’s will, reinforcing our reputation as a leading democracy in Africa.

The EC should welcome independent audits because it will boost its credibility by showing that it values transparency and is committed to upholding the highest standards of electoral integrity. It will also reduce conflicts with political parties and foster a harmonious electoral environment. This openness would strengthen the Commission’s reputation both locally and internationally.

For the benefit of all Ghanaians, GOGO urges lawmakers to act swiftly in passing legislation that ensures periodic independent audits of our electoral system. This is not only essential for maintaining transparency and accountability but also for preserving the democratic process that has been the bedrock of our nation’s governance.

SALL is the cardinal sin of the 8th Parliament.

Da Yie!