Executive Secretary to former President John Dramani Mahama, Callistus Mahama, has urged Ghanaian political parties to focus on persuading voters and strengthening their election-day operations rather than allowing suspicions about the political affiliations of Electoral Commission (EC) officials to dominate electoral debates. He emphasized that concerns about the composition of the Commission should not distract parties from building public confidence, developing credible policies, and maintaining relationships with voters.
Mr. Mahama argued that winning votes requires organization, credible leadership, persuasive policies, and attention to community concerns, while retaining those votes requires performance and a continuing relationship with citizens. He warned that portraying electoral victory as dependent primarily on who occupies positions at the Commission could encourage complacency among supporters when they favor an appointment and fatalism when they oppose it. This approach can undermine the democratic process, he noted.
Mr. Mahama cautioned that political leaders should promote lawful vigilance while encouraging supporters to engage in active campaigning and voter mobilization. He stressed that supporters should understand both the importance of protecting their votes and the need to persuade others to vote with them. By doing so, parties can ensure that their supporters are actively involved in the electoral process and that their votes are protected.
The former Executive Secretary also challenged political parties to translate their emphasis on polling stations into practical preparations for election day. He emphasized that parties need to ensure their agents are adequately prepared to monitor proceedings, verify figures, maintain records, and promptly report discrepancies. This will enable parties to track results and follow collation effectively.
Mr. Mahama advocated for a more substantive national conversation about electoral integrity, centered on whether eligible citizens can register and vote, election procedures are applied consistently, and officials are adequately prepared. He highlighted the importance of transparent result verification, open correction of errors, and credible mechanisms for resolving electoral disputes. This approach can help build trust in the electoral process.
Mr. Mahama further urged political actors to apply the same standards to electoral appointments and institutional decisions, regardless of which party holds power. He posed questions about whether parties would defend the same appointment procedures under a different government or accept explanations from officials they distrusted. This can help promote consistency and fairness in the electoral process.
Mr. Mahama's commentary comes amid debate over the appointment of Dr. Joseph Kwaku Asamoah and Emelia Afi Agbenyo as Deputy Chairpersons of the Electoral Commission. The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has raised concerns about Madam Agbenyo's perceived affiliation with the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC) and called for her withdrawal. Mr. Mahama's intervention argues that, alongside scrutiny of appointments, political parties must invest in voter persuasion, election monitoring, and evidence-based challenges to any irregularities.
Key points
- Callistus Mahama urges parties to prioritize voter persuasion and election monitoring over concerns about EC appointments.
- Mr. Mahama emphasizes the importance of transparent result verification and credible mechanisms for resolving electoral disputes.
- He advocates for consistent standards in electoral appointments and institutional decisions, regardless of which party holds power.
