Electoral Commission needs our prayers, they become scapegoat for people who lose elections – Bawumia

The flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Dr Mahamudu Bawumia says the Electoral Commission (EC)needs the support and prayers of all Ghanains to ensure they succeed in the conduct of the 2024 general elections.

Dr Bawumia says he believes the commission is up to task but they often become the scapegoat for people who lose an election.

Speaking to journalists after filing his nomination forms on Monday, September 9, Dr Bawumia said “We need God to continue to bless our country, what we are trying to do is to help uplift our country, we don’t want to tear down our country, so it is very important that our country is uplifted.

“Let us pray for our electoral commission, they do a very difficult job, probably the most difficult job. When you go into an election you are either going to win or lose and the EC becomes the scapegoat for people who lose, so we want to pray that the Good Lord strengthens the chairperson and her deputies. I believe the EC is up to the task.”

Meanwhile, president Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has emphasized that maintaining electoral integrity requires a collective commitment from all stakeholders involved in the electoral process.

He urged political parties, the Electoral Commission (EC), security agencies, civil society, and the media to uphold the highest standards of transparency and fairness.

“The integrity of the electoral process is the foundation upon which the legitimacy of government rests,” he said during the opening ceremony of the Bar Conference held by the Ghana Bar Association (GBA) on Monday, September 9.

The President further emphasized that when elections are free and transparent, the results are accepted by all parties, including those who lose.

In this regard, he placed a special responsibility on the Electoral Commission, calling on the body to act impartially and independently in overseeing the elections. He encouraged the EC to ensure that all logistical arrangements are in place and that any electoral disputes are resolved swiftly and transparently.

Akufo-Addo also stressed the importance of the EC remaining the sole authority responsible for declaring election results. He warned against political parties declaring results before the EC does so, noting that such actions could lead to confusion and misinformation. “The EC’s role as an impartial and independent body ensures that its results reflect the true will of the people, free from partisan influence,” the President noted.

Reflecting on the broader context of African elections, President Akufo-Addo cautioned against the dangers of elections marred by violence, irregularities, and lack of transparency. Such situations, he warned, can lead to disputed results and political instability. “We should learn from these experiences and ensure that Ghana does not ever fall into the same trap,” he said. The President reaffirmed that his government is committed to doing everything within its power to ensure that the upcoming elections are conducted peacefully, fairly, and transparently.

Acknowledging the concerns raised by some opposition voices about potential electoral misconduct, President Akufo-Addo reminded the audience that successive Electoral Commissioners, including Kwadwo Afari Gyan, Charlotte Osei, and the current commissioner, Jean Mensa, have all emphasized that rigging elections in Ghana is nearly impossible due to the robust systems in place. The President pointed out that those alleging NPP’s intent to rig the 2024 elections are likely preparing excuses in anticipation of a potential NPP victory.
President Akufo-Addo concluded by reaffirming the NPP’s unwavering commitment to democracy. He underscored the importance of democratic values such as the rule of law, accountability, and respect for differing opinions. “Our democracy is healthier than ever before, and we intend to protect and nurture it for future generations,” he stated.

With the 2024 elections on the horizon, President Akufo-Addo’s message is clear: the NPP will not resort to underhanded tactics to win. Instead, it will rely on its achievements in office and its vision for the future to convince the Ghanaian electorate. As the President put it, “The will of the people is paramount, and it is this will that will decide the outcome of the elections.”

 

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