General News of Sunday, 23 October 2016

Source: ghanapoliticsonline.com

Gov’t has made significant progress in election transparency - NDI

Charlotte Osei, EC Chair Charlotte Osei, EC Chair

The National Democratic Institute, (NDI), an International election observer mission, says Ghana has made significant progress towards promoting credible and transparent election in December.

The mission cites efforts by the Electoral Commission, (EC), to reach out to voters and stakeholders at IPAC deliberations.

It also commends the designations of 17 specialised courts by the Chief Justice to expedite adjudication of electoral disputes.

These are contained in NDI’s pre-election assessment report of Ghana’s preparedness for the December Presidential and Parliamentary Elections.

Radio Ghana’s Rebecca Ekpe was there and came through with the following report.

It is normal for International Observer Missions to be deployed to growing democracies ahead of General Elections to observe the process.

The National Democratic Institute, NDI delegation’s work builds on an earlier joint assessment with the International Republican Institute, IRI, in August.

Head of the Delegation, Dr. Christopher Fomunyoh said while here, the team met with the Chairperson of the EC, Madam Charlotte Osei, Presidential Candidates, Political Parties, media, women’s groups, security officials, civic organisations and other election partners.

Dr. Fomunyoh acknowledged that since their last visit Ghana has made progress to foster communication and transparency in the electoral process.

The NDI election observer mission however suggests that concrete additional steps must be employed by all partners especially the EC between now and Election Day to further enhance confidence; prevent fraud and Violence in the December Polls.

NDI plans to deploy international observers’ across the country on December 7. Rebecca Ekpe, Radio Ghana, Accra.