The call to Ghanaians to ensure a peaceful voter registration exercise is crucial for upholding democracy and promoting transparency in the electoral process.
The active involvement of various stakeholders, including political parties, civil society groups, and the media, has been instrumental in creating awareness and ensuring transparency throughout the registration process.
It is evident that the country has made significant strides in the Fourth Republican democratic journey; a journey many thought would not last for a decade. Today, we have surpassed that milestone.
From a thumb-printed card to black-and-white pictures, through to colored pictures, are some processes that have deepened the confidence and trust Ghanaians have in the Electoral Commission (EC). These changes were adopted to address the mistrust of some political parties in the EC.
The introduction of the biometric voter registration system has further placed Ghana in the upper echelons of democratic and constitutional rule on the African continent and in the subregion.
Despite the unparalleled success in the electoral process, there are some pockets of unresolved issues that tarnish our integrity as a nation.
The continued defiance of rules by some recalcitrant political entities undermines the beauty of the process and exposes the EC to unwarranted criticism.
Yes! The commission can be blamed in some instances.
We, as citizens of this great country, must assume responsibility for promoting peace and stability. Ghana is the greatest heritage that we pledge to hold in high esteem.
The limited registration exercise by the Electoral Commission, taking place from 7th to 27th May, presents a great opportunity for us to fulfill our promises to the nation.
This exercise, though as important as any other event leading to the election on December 7, 2024, is not a life or death affair.
The usual narrative, where agents of political parties exchange blows over the eligibility of a registrant, should be discarded this time around.
The practice of bringing minors to register should be relegated to the past. It belongs to the Stone Age.
I believe the EC, political parties, CSOs, media, and all interest groups will conduct themselves with the aim of uplifting the image of our mother Ghana.
It is just a voter registration exercise and not a civil war.
Article by
Kweku Afriyie - Savika