The Ghana Center for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana) has suggested that the Electoral Commission (EC) implement a real-time electronic transmission system for election results in the 2024 elections.
This would involve directly sending results from polling stations to the EC’s website, promoting transparency and reducing irregularities in the collation and announcement of results.
According to Rev Dr Fred Deegbe, this system would help maintain the integrity of the election and rebuild public trust, as citizens could monitor the process in real-time.
He also highlighted the need to address misinformation and disinformation, particularly on social media, through enhanced media and information literacy.
Rev Dr Deegbe delivered his remarks at the University of Education, Winneba’s (UEW) Political Science Education Department’s 10th anniversary public lecture, which focused on “Collaborations among stakeholders in the context of emerging technologies for a peaceful 2024 election in Ghana.”
“Regaining trust is a process and so, the EC should start building it by updating its website to facilitate the transmission of results directly from polling stations to regional centres, and then to the national level.”
Rev Dr Deegbe proposed that the Electoral Commission’s website should display detailed, frequently updated vote counts for both parliamentary and presidential candidates.
He encouraged the EC and other stakeholders to harness technology to educate voters, strengthen cybersecurity, and counter misinformation.
Additionally, he advised Civil Society Organisations to continue using data analytics to ensure accuracy and transparency, and suggested that Ghana work towards implementing an electronic voting system in the future.
Rev Dr Deegbe urged citizens to resist attempts by politicians to bribe them and instead vote conscientiously, free from influence, to elect deserving leaders who can be held accountable for their actions. He emphasized the importance of standing firm and making wise choices at the polls to ensure accountability and good governance.
“A vote is your will, choice and conscience, taking money means you are selling your conscience and ability to hold leadership accountable,” he said.
Rev Dr Deegbe cautioned that allowing elections to be influenced by money would have severe consequences for the country’s development.
He emphasized the crucial role of citizens in promoting fair, accurate, and transparent elections, which are essential for national progress.
He called on stakeholders to raise awareness about the harmful impact of vote buying on Ghana’s democratic governance.
Furthermore, he encouraged all citizens to work together to ensure that Ghana emerges from the 2024 elections as a shining example of democracy in Africa.
