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News
Date:07 Dec 2020
Ghanaian voters applaud a near perfect general elections
Voting in Ghana’s general election has ended and Ghanaians have described the process as being orderly, peaceful and efficient in spite of some incidents across the country.
The Elections
Some 17million Ghanaians went to the polls today to elect a president and 275 members of parliament in a routine election which saw an improvement of previous electoral systems as well as a toned down, less noisy, less colourful mammoth and mini-rallies usually associated with the campaign period and carried through to voting day.
However, the Covid19 induced toned-down campaign period did very little to dampen the excitement around voting. The start of the voting process was characterised by long queues in certain polling stations. Some voters were so excited about the opportunity to participate in the four-year cycle of either changing or maintaining top echelons of government that, they started either queuing around midnight in person or using objects such as stones, chairs and other avatars even before the polls opened.
“I came here as early as 3 a.m to make sure I am ahead of everyone and make a choice that will determine whether I will be employed after I finish my university studies based on the promised I have heard so far”. Bernard Ayisi, a first time voter avers.
“I am a seamstress and the government support during the coronavirus lock down saved my business and I am here early to show my appreciation”. Esther Kuma, Akyem Tafo in the Eastern Region.
“For me voting is to show the politicians where power lies! I am here to let them [politician] know how I feel about them through my vote.” Opanyin Ntow. Berekum Constituency.
Delays
Majority of the polls sampled by the Coalition of Domestic Elections Observers (CODEO) opened about an hour late. There were many reports of delayed distribution of polling materials and logistics to polling stations. This included non-availability of ballot papers, indelible ink and late set up of the physical voting space etc which made it impossible for voting to begin. However, through the work of the Penplusbytes All Media Tracking Centre (AMTC) and others, the Electoral Commission received alerts in real-time about the polling stations with issues for quick resolution, and for voting to proceed.
Polls Boycott
Residents of Bimbago South Electoral Area in the Bunkpurugu Constituency in the North East Region refused to show up and vote even though the EC had made adequate preparations for voting to take place at their locality.
The decision by the residents to boycott the voting exercise was in protest of lack of social amenities in the area.
“We don’t have electricity and water, and our school building is a death trap for the students. We don’t have good roads so unless our demands are provided, we are not voting and we will never vote in any election." Mr Tibila Daniel, a youth leader in the community said.
PWDs Voting
The EC scored high marks according to data released by CODEO during their elections monitoring. Stating their findings in a report about the preparations and provisions made to deliver an inclusive election, the elections observer group said the EC had scored an overwhelming 94 out of a possible 100 points.
According to the Ghana Federation for the Disabled Organisation (GFD), they had fruitful deliberation with the EC to create awareness about the electoral process, selection of favourable and accessible polling stations and training on the use and provision of tactile jackets for the visually impaired to vote.
Mr. David Frimpong of Ada East, a physically challenged teacher stated that he voted without any assistance throughout the period and felt very included in the entire process.
Polls closing
All Polling stations officially closed at 5pm. However, persons who joined the queue before 5:00pm will go ahead to exercise their civic responsibility.
Extended Voting
In a press statement by the EC, voting in Bantama and Tamale North Constituencies will be extended beyond 5:00pm as they still had long queues in some polling stations. The Commission has provided additional voting materials such as BVRs and lamps to ensure voting continues without any hitches.
Maintenance of Law and Order
The Ghana Police Service also confirmed that the conduct of voters was generally impressive and urged the public to maintain their good behaviour during counting, collation and declaration of results. The NESTF however, assured the public that they will deal with any miscreant who disturbed the smooth process of the elections, stating that until the declaration of the winner any person disturbing the process will be dealt with according to the dictates of the law.
The Chairperson of the EC, Madam Jean Mensa has assured Ghanaians that her office will announce the elections results within 24 hours after the close of polls. A run-off will be held later in the month if neither of the two main candidates secures more than 50% of the votes.
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