EC Chairperson reaffirms trust in Ghana’s electoral process

The Chairperson of the Electoral Commission (EC), Jean Adukwei Mensa, has reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to conducting free, fair, transparent, and credible elections in Ghana.

According to her, the outcome of the 2024 general elections serves as clear evidence that the country’s electoral process remains trustworthy and reliable.

Speaking at an Inter-Party Advisory Committee (IPAC) meeting on Wednesday, February 26, Jean Mensa stated that the 2024 elections were a strong confirmation and affirmation that Ghana’s democratic processes continue to uphold fairness and credibility. She reiterated that elections in Ghana are truly decided at the polling stations, making it imperative for political parties to focus on the electoral process at that level.

“After the 2024 elections, we have not had the opportunity to convene. We thought it was important to re-gather, to reconvened, and to rekindled the spirit of cooperation as we chart the way forward for the future elections in this country.

“I’m sure you all have been with me that the outcome of the 2024 general elections is a confirmation and an affirmation that elections in Ghana are free, fair, credible and transparent. It is a confirmation that elections are indeed won or lost at the polling station, and therefore it is important for political parties to also hold what happens at the polling station. It is also a confirmation that the Electoral Commission of Ghana can be trusted to conduct and undertake free, fair, transparent and credible elections year after year.

“It is also an affirmation that the choice of the people and the citizens as expressed at their polls is what the Electoral Commission of Ghana will always uphold and declare.” She said.

Jean Mensa also disclosed that, both local and international observers have described the 2024 elections as the best in the history of Ghana’s Fourth Republic. She explained that while political parties and the Commission itself are conducting their own post-election reviews.

“The observers, both local and international, have indicated that the elections of 2024 have been the best in the history of the fourth republic. As I noted earlier, our purpose here is not to undertake an in-depth examination or review of the elections. We are well aware that the political parties are doing their own, undertaking their own reviews, and so are we.” She stated.

The EC Chairperson further emphasized that the Commission’s role is not to determine winners but to ensure that the will of the people is accurately reflected in the results. She expressed gratitude that the Commission has successfully fulfilled its constitutional mandate.

“As a commission, we have always maintained that our role is not to make any candidate or political party a winner. This is a message that we  have reiterated time and again, and it was not lost on us any time we had our meetings with our staff, both permanent and temporary,

“I’m glad that our role has been upheld. I’m happy to know that by God’s grace, we have lived up to our role and our mandate as enshrined in the Constitution.” She explained.

The Chairperson of the Electoral Commission (EC), Jean Mensa, further clarified that it is not the commission’s policy for its members, including the chairperson and deputies, to attend swearing-in ceremonies unless they receive an official invitation.

“Let me say that I was here in the country but as per policy, the commission members, including the chairperson and deputy, do not attend swearing-in ceremonies. Moreover, attendance is by invitation, and we have never received an invitation to any swearing-in.

“I know that all the dignities and those special guests are invited, ut it has always been the policy that we do not attend such events unless we are invited.” Jean Adukwei Mensa said.

Source: Elvisanokyenews.com