As Ghana prepares for its upcoming elections on December 7, 2024, concerns about election rigging and voter disenfranchisement are growing. Historically, incumbent parties have been accused of attempting to manipulate election outcomes to maintain power and conceal their shortcomings and corrupt practices.
With the election drawing near, many Ghanaians are expressing anxiety about the integrity of the electoral process. They worry that their votes might not be accurately counted or might be stolen altogether.
These concerns are not unfounded, given the country's past experiences (especially in 2020 elections), with electoral disputes, violence, shooing and killing of some 8 Ghanaians under the leadership of President Nana Addo and his vice Dr. Bawumia.
With these horrible and sad past election experience, it is very crucial for all stakeholders, including voters, polling agents, and electoral officials, to remain vigilant and ensure that the electoral process is transparent, free, and fair.
-*Poling Agent Bribery*-
As the election day draws nearer and the heat gets hotter, there are also increasing rumors of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) doing all things possible to rig the elections. One of such attempts is to "buy" the Opponent's (NDC and other parties) poling Agents.
The NPP and the Bawumia's government may secretly influence other party agents ahead of the elections through various means. Here are some ways this can happen:
- Covert bribery:
the government may offer bribes or other forms of inducement to opposition party agents to sway their loyalty or influence their actions.
- Intimidation and coercion:
The NPP government may use intimidation or coercion to influence opposition party agents. This can include threats of violence, arrest, or other forms of reprisal.
- Undermining opposition party structures:
Incumbent governments may secretly undermine opposition party structures by infiltrating their ranks, spreading discord, or manipulating their internal decision-making processes.
-*What Must Party Agents Do Before, During And After Voting*-
In Ghana's upcoming election, party agents play a crucial role in ensuring the integrity and transparency of the electoral process. Here are their key responsibilities before, during, and after voting:
-*Before Voting-*
- One of their key responsibilities of Party polling agents, is to verify that ballot boxes are empty and sealed with security seals before voting begins.
This is typically done during the setup process, usually between 6:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m. on election day. The polling agent should carefully inspect the ballot box to ensure it is empty and then verify that the security seal is intact and properly attached.
- Verify Voter Registration:
Ensure that all voters are registered and verified to prevent multiple voting or voting by unqualified individuals
-*During Voting*-
- Ensure Transparency:
Verify that all electoral materials, including ballot papers and voting screens, are transparent and tamper-proof.
-Validation Stamp:
Polling agent must ensure that, the ballot issuer stamps every ballot paper before issuing it to voters. This stamp typically includes the Polling Station's validating stamp or secret mark, which helps to prevent fraud and ensure the authenticity of the ballot paper.
Polling agents should carefully inspect each ballot paper before it's issued to a voter. They should also ensure that the ballot issuer is using the correct stamp and that it's being applied consistently to every ballot paper.
- Voting Secrecy:
Polling agents must ensure that voters are able to cast their ballots in secret, without any interference or influence from others.
- Monitor Voting Process:
Observe the voting process to ensure that it is free and fair.
-*After Voting*-
- Verify Vote Counting:
Ensure that the vote counting process is accurate and transparent.
-*Before Signing The Pink sheets, Party Agents Must Carefully Verify The Following*-:
1. Accuracy of Vote Counts:
Ensure that the votes counted and recorded on the pink sheet are accurate and reflect the actual votes cast.
2. Completeness of Information:
Verify that all required information is complete and correctly recorded on the pink sheet, including the polling station name, code, and number of registered voters.
3. Validity of Ballot Papers:
Ensure that the number of valid ballot papers matches the number of votes recorded on the pink sheet.
4. Rejected Ballot Papers:
Verify that the number of rejected ballot papers is accurately recorded and accounted for.
5. Spoilt Ballot Papers:
Ensure that the number of spoilt ballot papers is accurately recorded and accounted for.
6. Total Number of Votes:
Verify that the total number of votes recorded on the pink sheet matches the sum of valid votes, rejected votes, and spoilt votes.
7. Agent's Signature:
Ensure that the agent's signature on the pink sheet is authentic and indicates their confirmation of the accuracy of the information recorded.
-*Additional Checks*-
1. Pink Sheet Serial Number:
Verify that the pink sheet has a unique serial number and that it matches the one recorded in the polling station's records.
2. Polling Station Stamp:
Ensure that the polling station's stamp or signature is affixed to the pink sheet.
3. Verification of Results:
Verify that the results recorded on the pink sheet match the results announced at the polling station.
Verify that the results declared by the Electoral Commission are accurate and reflect the true outcome of the election.
If you notice any discrepancies in the results, report them immediately to the Electoral Commission or the security agencies.
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