By Ashiadey Dotse
The Electoral Commission (EC) has clarified that the right to serve as an election observer is not automatic, following criticism from civil society organisations (CSOs) about the denial of their accreditation for the upcoming 2024 elections.
In an interview with TV3 on Monday, November 25, Dr. Bossman Asare, Deputy Commissioner of the EC in charge of corporate services, explained that the EC reviews all applications from individuals or organisations wishing to observe the election.
He stated that the commission assesses applicants based on their track record and experience in election observation.
“Once you apply, we look at your history and qualifications. We have a team that evaluates the applications,” Dr. Asare said. He also mentioned that if any applicant is denied accreditation, they have the right to petition the commission for reconsideration, citing a previous case where an international observer group had their denial overturned after petitioning.
Dr. Asare’s comments come after several CSOs, including the Centre for Conflict Resolution-Ghana (CENCOR), criticised the EC for denying them accreditation to observe the December 2024 elections. The groups argue that their participation as accredited observers is crucial in ensuring the credibility of the election and preventing political violence.
In a statement released on November 12, Adib Sani, Convener of the Civil Society Coalition, expressed strong concerns about the EC’s decision. Sani described the denial as an “arbitrary and dictatorial” act by EC Chairperson Mrs. Jean Mensah, who he said had undermined the democratic process she once supported as a civil society leader. The coalition claimed that the refusal to accredit these organisations was a violation of their rights and called into question the EC’s commitment to conducting a transparent and fair election.
Despite the criticism, the EC maintains that the accreditation process is based on a thorough assessment of each applicant’s qualifications and experience in election monitoring.
