Can transparency save the EC’s image? Prof. Agyeman-Duah on the way forward

With a mandate to ensure free and fair elections, the Electoral Commission (EC) faces the steep challenge of regaining public trust, and Prof. Baffour Agyeman-Duah believes transparency is key.

In an interview on PM Express on Tuesday, the former senior UN Governance Advisor spoke on actionable steps the EC could take to regain legitimacy and trust following Afrobarometer’s revealing data on institutional mistrust.

His comments follow the Afrobarometer Survey’s findings, which reveal an alarming dip in public trust toward the EC and a public perception that opposition grievances are not adequately addressed.

With 40 days remaining until the 2024 elections, the EC has become one of the least trusted public institutions in Ghana.

The latest Afrobarometer survey reveals that public perception of the EC as corrupt is on the rise.

While the EC is responsible for organising the December 7 elections in a fair, impartial, and transparent manner, only 28% of respondents expressed trust in the Commission.

This marks a significant decline from the 59% trust level it enjoyed in 2012. In 2022, public trust in the Commission stood at 33%, but it has declined further to 28% this year.

Read also:‘It’s not the process, but perception’ – Governance expert urges EC to address criticisms

“Perhaps the Commission, with the few weeks left, can make it up in some way,” Prof. Agyeman-Duah suggested, acknowledging the difficulty of the task.

He cited recent EC reforms as positive moves, particularly measures allowing regional centres to count presidential ballots independently.

“Now that presidential ballots are counted at the regional level, anybody can monitor from the regions and get to know who won,” he explained.

He noted that this is a significant step to counter perceptions of biased tallying in specific “strongholds.”

Prof. Agyeman-Duah called on civil society and political parties to support the EC’s monitoring initiatives actively, which he views as critical to maintaining transparency.

“When I say the EC needs to be supported, it doesn’t mean we should throw our full weight behind them for whatever they do.

Read also: Charlotte Osei’s removal by Akufo-Addo chipped away trust in EC – Prof Agyeman-Duah

“Civil society, like CDD-Ghana, and the party monitors at the various centres, need to be there, especially now that we are counting at regional stations,” he clarified, highlighting the role of collective oversight in restoring public faith in the electoral outcomes.

He also emphasised the need for openness from polling stations to regional centres.

“If we all cooperate and do our part…then you can predict the outcomes even before the EC announces them.”

Prof. Agyeman-Duah’s appeal is rooted in the belief that transparency and accountability from both the EC and its stakeholders are fundamental to rebuilding trust.

Source:www.myjoyonline.com