Political Scientist, Nii Amartei Amartey of the University for Professional Studies (UPSA), has publicly disagreed with calls for the removal of the current Electoral Commission (EC).
This stance comes amidst widespread criticism of the EC’s handling of recent elections, marred by issues with biometric verification devices and the recall and reprinting of ballot papers.
The EC’s challenges led to a significant decline in public trust, with many labeling the Commission as incompetent.
The EC Chair, Jean Mensa, has faced surprise and criticism for not resigning after the election declaration, given the series of issues that plagued the Commission.
Speaking on Starr Today on Starr FM, Amartey emphasised the importance of institutional stability and cautioned against politicising the EC.
The Political Scientist argued that the practice of changing the EC with each change of power is detrimental to the institution’s credibility and independence.
He further noted that the EC’s role is not to decide election outcomes but to ensure the integrity of the electoral process.
Amartey cited the example of Charlotte Osei, the former EC Chair, who was removed from office due to political pressure.
“I disagree completely and this style us gradually eating our image internationally and we need to be very careful. At the change of power, each person would like to their EC and it’s not the best. Given the part in the sense that we have made it part of our transition that once power changes, then the EC must go and this cannot be because people in the subregions look up to us and they respect us that they want to be like Ghana, and then we continue to play around with these things.”
“Look, that’s why it’s incumbent upon us not to look up to our people but look up to the institutions. As it is now, Charlotte went and incidentally, you remember when Charlotte was in power, the NDC was supporting her so much. Charlotte had to go because the NPP didn’t seem to like her. It is not the best. the EC cannot decide who wins an election. so why will we continue to change the face of the person managing the place[commission]. We shouldn’t do that and gradually that is eroding the little respect we have.”
