Build a Robust System for Declaring Final Collated Results

The Electoral Commission of Ghana must build a robust mechanism for collating and declaring final Presidential electoral results in the 2024 general elections. The declaration of the final collated results of the 2020 elections, and their subsequent corrections affected the integrity of the EC and the elections it conducted in 2020. The flaws in the declarations of the final collated results served as a basis for the NDC to file the 2021 Presidential election petition case: the party did not find faults with the actual conduct of the elections in 2020.

It is critical to examine and enhance the methods for collating and declaring presidential electoral results. Ensuring accuracy in the collation and declaration processes will not only foster public trust but also mitigates the potential for disputes and unrest. The Electoral Commission of Ghana should have effective strategies that can be implemented to build a more reliable results collation and declaration mechanism. A well-established results collation and declaration mechanism is essential for ensuring the integrity and credibility of the electoral processes in the 2024 general elections. A robust collation system becomes a safeguard against mistrust among the presidential candidates and voters.

The results collation phase often provides significant hurdles that can undermine the integrity of elections. Therefore, the EC must develop an internally-built corrective mechanism for quality assurance of the results it collates from the various constituencies. A chain of verification procedures or processes may be the ultimate panacea to the error committed in 2020 when final collated results were being declared. The dependence of the Commission on manual collation processes creates room for human errors that can easily be avoided. The integration of electoral technology into the collation processes can reduce the errors in declaration. The 2020 experience has exposed significant weaknesses in the mechanisms for collating and declaring results, which resulted in electoral disputes.

The mistakes in the declaration of collated results in 2020, led to inconsistencies in electoral figures announced by the EC. This fuelled public mistrust and provided grounds for contestation. While the EC later clarified the discrepancies, the damage to its reputation underscored the need for a more reliable and transparent system. For any electoral management body, credibility is paramount as it underpins public confidence in the electoral processes and outcomes.

The EC is an important institution in consolidating the gains made in building the democracy of Ghana. Therefore, any perceived or actual lapses in the collation and declaration of final results can undermine democratic stability, create political tension, and erode public trust in this institution. Addressing the shortcomings of the 2020 elections is not just about organizational improvement; it is a democratic imperative. The EC must cross-check its data to detect and correct anomalies before public declaration.

The Electoral Commission of Ghana needs to institute a robust quality assurance mechanism. Quality assurance is essential to minimize errors. The EC should employ some of its staff and Civil Society Organisation representatives as auditors to verify collated results before their declaration. It is equally imperative to introduce a dual verification system where final collated results are independently cross-checked by the EC Chairperson and the Deputies.

The EC must conduct a thorough review of the results collation process it has developed and involve other independent and credible institutions in the collation and declaration process. The lapses in the declaration in the 2020 elections should serve as a wake-up call for the Electoral Commission of Ghana. As the custodian of the country’s democratic integrity, the EC must rise to the occasion and address the challenges that undermined its credibility in 2020. By standardizing processes, leveraging technology, engaging stakeholders, and building public trust, the EC can ensure a credible, transparent, and efficient electoral process in 2024.

To prevent discrepancies in the electoral results, an independent verification committee comprising representatives from various political parties and Civil Society Organizations can be established as it can foster a sense of trust and accountability. This committee could oversee the collation processes, adding an extra layer of transparency.

A robust collation and declaration mechanism will not only restore confidence in the public but also consolidate Ghana’s democratic gains. The world will be watching in 2024, and it is commanding that the EC sets an example of excellence in electoral management.

Emmanuel Kwabena Wucharey
Economics Tutor, Advocate and Religion Enthusiast