GHANA WEATHER

CSO, GENCED identify post electoral violence management as gap in Ghana’s Electoral Cycle

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By Rebecca Ekpe

A post-election forum on Women’s Participation and Representation in Ghana’s 2024 Election has unveiled gaps in the country’s electoral cycle pertaining to managing post-election violence.

The 2024 elections saw irate political party supporters attacking offices and destroying state property. Some analysts say these actions were retaliatory and rooted in a tit-for-tat political culture that has plagued Ghanaian politics for decades.

Post-election violence is a serious concern in many countries, particularly in Africa. It can take many forms, including protests, riots, and even armed conflicts. Which is why some stakeholders posit that it is time Ghana commenced broader conversations on Post Election Management.

GBC News spoke with an Officer of the Gender Center for Empowering Development, GENCED, Gifty Ofori, on its 2024 Election Observation report, which suggested among others that there should be a step up of sensitisation and education to remedy Post Electoral Violence situations in Ghana.

‘’And this is a sad thing to know that after we’ve had such a good transition of power, we are still having all these violent issues happening in the country. But what I would say is that the security force should step up their game,” according to Gifty Ofori.

GENCED says impunity is also the bane, and people who cause trouble must be made to face the penalty to serve as a deterrent to others.

‘’People are doing it because those who did it are not being punished…. Yes, impunity is just increasing in the country. Those who are supposed to be punished are not being punished,” she posits.

Preventing Post-Election Violence:

Meanwhile, experts have encouraged the promotion of peaceful elections, strengthened institutions and encouraged dialogue and reconciliation as ways to mitigate post electoral violence.

* Promoting peaceful elections: Encouraging peaceful elections through civic education and voter outreach programs can help reduce tensions and prevent violence.

* Strengthening institutions: Building strong, independent institutions such as electoral commissions and judiciaries can help ensure the integrity of the electoral process and reduce the likelihood of violence.

* Encouraging dialogue and reconciliation: Encouraging dialogue and reconciliation between different political groups and communities can help reduce tensions and prevent violence.

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