Ghana has taken a significant step towards enhancing electoral transparency with the launch of iCollate, a citizen-driven digital platform designed to promote public participation in polling station results collation.
Developed by Wigal Vision Ltd, a Ghanaian ICT software company, iCollate empowers citizens to upload polling station results, submit photographic and video evidence, and access real-time updates across the country. The platform aims to strengthen the integrity of the electoral process by fostering transparency and accountability.
Available on Google Play Store, Apple Store, iCollate.app, and via shortcode 8002024# for non-smartphone users, the app makes election monitoring accessible to a wider audience, ensuring no one is left out.
The Project Lead for iCollate emphasized the app’s purpose:
“Elections are not just about casting votes but ensuring every vote is accounted for. iCollate represents a collective effort by Ghanaians to safeguard our democracy and promote transparency. It allows citizens to play an active role in guaranteeing free and fair elections.”
While iCollate is a powerful tool for collating polling station results, it is not designed to project election winners or replace the Electoral Commission’s (EC) role. Instead, it offers a supplementary layer of transparency, ensuring accurate public records without official declarations.
Transformative Role of Technology
The launch of iCollate highlights how technology can strengthen democratic accountability. By enabling voters to independently record polling station results, it ensures a credible, inclusive electoral process driven by citizens.
Media Involvement Urged
The media, a cornerstone of democracy, is encouraged to integrate iCollate into their election coverage. Journalists and broadcasters can access real-time data and visual evidence submitted by citizens, enriching their reporting with firsthand, verified information.
Additionally, media outlets are urged to promote iCollate to maximize its reach and impact, ensuring that more Ghanaians engage with the electoral process transparently.
Through citizen participation and media collaboration, iCollate has the potential to foster public confidence in Ghana’s electoral system, paving the way for more transparent and accountable elections.
