The Electoral Commission (EC) has once again raised concerns about its neutrality during the 2024 presidential election balloting process. Representing H.E. John Dramani Mahama, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) was present at the EC office, with Dr. Omane Boamah, National Election/IT Director, and Fiifi Fiavi Kwetey, General Secretary of the NDC, attending the event. However, the process revealed signs of bias in favor of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), prompting calls for the NDC to take urgent steps to safeguard the integrity of the upcoming elections.
EC’s Favoritism Towards the NPP
During the balloting process, it became clear that the EC’s actions favored the NPP. The most striking example was the choice of ballot numbers, where the NPP’s Election Director, Evans Nimako, appeared to benefit from biased facilitation. The exchange, which was caught on camera, seemed to go unnoticed by the NDC representatives, who were focused on the formal proceedings.
This public display of favoritism should serve as a wake-up call for the NDC. The EC, under the leadership of Jean Mensa, has shown troubling signs of partisanship that could jeopardize the fairness of the December 7th elections.
NDC’s Missed Opportunities for Verification
Beyond the visible bias, the NDC also missed crucial opportunities to verify the authenticity of the ballot process. Instead of demanding an independent third-party verification for the ballot papers, the NDC allowed the EC to sign off on the choice. Reports suggest that the NPP may have had prior access to the ballot papers, a red flag that the NDC should have acted upon.
After the ballot pick, the NDC should have verified the signed papers, ensuring transparency and fairness. By neglecting this critical step, they allowed the NPP to walk away without further scrutiny, raising concerns about the possibility of electoral manipulation.
NDC Must Act Strategically to Protect the 2024 Elections
With the EC’s actions pointing to a clear bias, the NDC must deploy every strategic means to ensure that the electoral process remains free and fair. The NDC cannot afford to sit back and trust that the EC will deliver a neutral election—vigilance is essential.
The NDC must rigorously monitor the EC’s actions, verify every step of the balloting and voting process, and speak out against any irregularities. Ghana’s democracy hinges on the NDC’s commitment to protecting voter rights and ensuring that the election reflects the will of the people, not the influence of a compromised EC.
Conclusion: The NDC Must Wake Up
The time for complacency is over. The NDC must act decisively to challenge the EC’s bias and secure a fair election for all Ghanaians. By deploying strategic oversight, demanding transparency, and mobilizing voter support, the NDC can ensure that the 2024 elections remain a democratic process where every vote counts.
The integrity of Ghana’s democracy is at stake, and the NDC must rise to the challenge to defend it.