As Ghana approaches its December 2024 elections, a coalition of civil society organizations (CSOs) is raising significant concerns over the Electoral Commission’s (EC) refusal to grant observer accreditation to several domestic groups. The coalition argues that this decision undermines the transparency, fairness, and credibility of what is set to be one of the country’s most pivotal elections.
The coalition, which includes prominent groups such as the Center for National Civic Education and Research (CENCOR), Jatikay Centre, Human Security Research Centre Ghana (HSRCGh), and the FESF Foundation, stresses the crucial role election observers play in upholding electoral integrity. The CSOs point out that domestic election observers have been an integral part of Ghana’s election process since 2008, providing an independent and objective check on electoral proceedings, easing political tensions, and fostering public confidence in the results.
In a joint statement, the CSOs expressed alarm over the sudden and unexplained denial of accreditation, which was communicated in a brief letter from the EC, stating only that “the Commission is unable to accept your application at this time.” This abrupt action, the CSOs argue, marks a troubling departure from previous practices where CSO observers were routinely accredited to ensure election transparency.
The coalition has questioned the motives behind the EC Chairperson’s decision, asking, “What is different this time? What does the EC Chairperson have to hide?” They voiced concerns that Jean Mensa’s “unilateral decision” contradicts the principles of inclusivity, fairness, and transparency that are meant to guide the EC’s work.
The CSOs have warned of the serious implications of this move, highlighting that the absence of independent observers could increase public skepticism and cast doubt on the election’s legitimacy. Election observers serve as an essential safeguard against electoral fraud, vote tampering, and manipulation—issues that could significantly undermine the credibility of the election results and threaten national stability if left unchecked.
The coalition has raised several questions in response to the EC’s decision:
- On what grounds is the EC withholding accreditation from CSOs for the 2024 elections?
- Does the EC acknowledge that this decision will heighten public mistrust and diminish the election’s credibility?
- What steps, if any, has the EC taken to ensure a free and fair election in the absence of CSO observers?
The CSOs are calling on the EC to reverse its decision, urging that “the unilateral decision of Mrs. Jean Mensa be rescinded and accreditation granted to all qualified CSOs that have applied to deploy observers.”
In conclusion, the coalition emphasizes that this move not only undermines the integrity of the state but also places personal and professional risks on Jean Mensa. The exclusion of CSO observers could cast a shadow over the election process and the EC’s role in overseeing it.
