The Commonwealth Observer Mission has commended Ghana for conducting a free, fair, and transparent election in 2024, despite reports of violence and post-election tensions. The mission, which monitored the election closely, expressed its satisfaction with the overall conduct of the polls and acknowledged the important role of the police in maintaining peace throughout the process.
Mokgweetsi Masisi, the leader of the Commonwealth Observer Mission, took the opportunity to commend the electoral process, highlighting that the 2024 elections met all the necessary criteria of being free, fair, transparent, and decisive. He recognized that, despite some setbacks and challenges, the country had demonstrated its commitment to democratic principles and had carried out an election that largely adhered to international standards.
“The elections were significant because they qualified as free, fair, transparent, and decisive in line with the established criteria,” Masisi stated. His remarks followed a debriefing session with the National Election Security Taskforce, where he further praised the efforts of the security agencies involved in maintaining order throughout the election period.
The Commonwealth Observer Mission’s praise comes even as the elections faced certain challenges. Tensions and disturbances in some regions led to the unfortunate deaths of at least four individuals, and the post-election period saw some unrest. However, the mission’s statement stressed that these instances of violence did not overshadow the general success of the election process as a whole.
One of the key aspects of the mission’s praise was the role of the Ghana Police Service. Masisi acknowledged the crucial role played by the police in ensuring law and order, especially in the face of challenges that could have escalated into more serious incidents. “The police in Ghana played an extremely important role as the referee of law and order, the keeper of peace, without the use of force,” he said. This recognition of the police force’s actions underscores the commitment of Ghana’s security agencies to uphold peace and prevent violence, which is vital in maintaining public confidence in the electoral process.
The fact that Ghana’s elections have received international commendation from the Commonwealth Observer Mission is significant, particularly given the political climate in many African countries. It sets a positive example for other nations, illustrating that it is possible to carry out a peaceful and transparent election, even in the face of adversity. Ghana’s electoral process has long been viewed as a model for democracy in Africa, and the 2024 elections further cement this reputation.
The statement from the Commonwealth Observer Mission is also a testament to the hard work of the Electoral Commission (EC), which is responsible for organizing and overseeing elections in Ghana. The EC has consistently managed to conduct elections in a transparent and efficient manner, and its role in ensuring the smooth conduct of the 2024 election was crucial to its success.
Despite the violence and challenges, the mission noted that the electoral process itself had been largely peaceful and well-organized. This is a key point, as it shows that the violence that occurred was not widespread, and the overall election results reflected the will of the people. The observer mission’s report also pointed to the decisive nature of the election, with clear and swift results that allowed the country to move forward with the democratic process.
However, the mission did acknowledge the need for continued vigilance in addressing electoral violence and ensuring that such incidents are minimized in future elections. While the 2024 elections were largely successful, the deaths and injuries that occurred in some regions serve as a reminder of the need to strengthen electoral security and further enhance the capacity of security agencies to manage potential conflicts.
In light of these incidents, the mission has called on the government and political parties to work together to maintain peace and stability in the post-election period. The role of the police and other security forces in ensuring the safety of the public during this time is critical, and there must be continued efforts to prevent further violence and promote national unity.
The Commonwealth Observer Mission’s report has also highlighted the importance of engaging with local communities and stakeholders in the electoral process. This includes ensuring that all citizens, particularly marginalized groups, have the opportunity to participate fully in the election process, both as voters and candidates. Enhancing voter education and ensuring that people are aware of their rights and responsibilities in the electoral process are essential for strengthening Ghana’s democracy.
The praise from the Commonwealth Observer Mission comes at a time when Ghana is preparing for a new phase in its political landscape. The 2024 election has ushered in a new government, and the country’s leadership will need to build on the successes of the election while addressing the challenges that remain. The mission’s report serves as both a celebration of Ghana’s electoral achievements and a reminder of the work still needed to ensure that the country’s democracy continues to thrive.
In conclusion, the Commonwealth Observer Mission’s assessment of Ghana’s 2024 election is a significant endorsement of the country’s commitment to democratic values. While acknowledging the challenges, the mission praised the election for its transparency, fairness, and the role of security forces in maintaining peace. As Ghana moves forward, it will be crucial for all stakeholders to continue working together to build a more inclusive and peaceful democratic process, ensuring that the gains made in the 2024 elections are preserved for future generations.
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