By Peter Martey AGBEKO
In the wake of yet another election cycle marred by disputes over results collation, the ongoing stalemate between political parties and the Electoral Commission (EC) highlights an issue that transcends mere administrative lapses: the crisis of trust and integrity.
It is disheartening that, in the 21st century, with access to advanced technology and best practices from around the world, Ghana continues to grapple with election disputes that could easily be resolved if all stakeholders prioritised transparency and accountability.
The pink sheet saga
At the heart of the current impasse is the contentious issue of the “pink sheets.” These documents, issued to political parties as carbon copies during the collation process, are pivotal in verifying election results. The EC is required to post results at the constituency level to ensure transparency.
However, the failure of both the EC and political parties to produce the original or credible copies of these documents to resolve disputes has plunged the electoral process into unnecessary controversy.
This reluctance raises pertinent questions: Why are the parties withholding documents that could resolve the deadlock? What explains the EC’s inability or unwillingness to provide clear, verifiable data to settle the matter? At its core, this reflects a deep-seated mistrust and a lack of integrity among all parties involved. It is a betrayal of the public’s trust and undermines the democratic process.
An outdated system in a digital age
Equally concerning is the EC’s continued reliance on outdated methods of transmitting election results. In an era defined by real-time data transmission, blockchain technology, and artificial intelligence, the EC’s reliance on manual collation and the subsequent delays in publishing results are indefensible. The stakes in elections are too high for such an archaic system to persist.
Electronic transmission of results, backed by robust cybersecurity measures, is not rocket science. Countries with similar levels of development have successfully implemented such systems. For Ghana, a country that prides itself on being a beacon of democracy in Africa, the failure to modernise the electoral process is a glaring inconsistency.\
Real-time updates on an EC-managed digital platform would not only enhance transparency but also preempt disputes, as stakeholders and the public could monitor results as they are tallied.
Trust – The missing ingredient
The integrity of any electoral process hinges on trust. Trust that the EC will act impartially and competently. Trust that political parties will engage in the process in good faith. And trust that the systems in place will ensure the will of the people is accurately reflected. Unfortunately, this trust appears to be in short supply.
It is apparent that both the EC and political parties have the tools needed to resolve the current impasse. However, their reluctance to do so stems from a pervasive lack of faith in each other’s intentions. This mistrust creates a vicious cycle: stakeholders hold back critical information, fearing it could be weaponised against them, further deepening suspicion and prolonging stalemates.
Learning from the Past, Preparing for 2028
If Ghana is to avoid repeating these mistakes in the 2028 elections, a radical overhaul of the electoral process is needed. This begins with the EC embracing technology. Electronic transmission of results should become standard practice, ensuring that election outcomes are available to all stakeholders in real time. The EC’s website, which has been woefully underutilised, must be updated dynamically during elections to serve as a credible source of information for citizens and the media.
Additionally, the EC must invest in sustained public education campaigns to rebuild trust. Citizens need to understand the electoral process and the safeguards in place to prevent fraud. Political parties must also be compelled to adhere to a code of conduct that prioritises the integrity of the process over partisan gain.
Building a transparent future
Transparency is the antidote to mistrust. The EC must commit to posting results at all polling stations and constituencies as mandated. This would make it nearly impossible for discrepancies to occur, as the results would already be in the public domain before they are officially declared. The introduction of independent observers equipped with modern technology to verify results in real time could further enhance credibility.
Moreover, a robust legal framework should be established to mandate the electronic transmission of results. Any deviations from this process should require compelling justification and oversight. This framework must also include stringent penalties for any entity found tampering with the system or deliberately delaying the collation process.
Conclusion
Ghana’s democratic journey is one of hope and resilience. However, the recurring issues with election disputes threaten to erode the very foundations of this democracy. The current stalemate is not merely a procedural hiccup but a reflection of a deeper crisis of integrity among key stakeholders.
The 2028 elections present an opportunity for redemption. By embracing technology, fostering trust, and prioritising transparency, the EC and political parties can ensure that future elections are free from the needless controversies that have plagued past cycles. The time for excuses is over. Ghana deserves better, and it is up to all stakeholders to rise to the occasion and uphold the sanctity of the electoral process.
