Akwatia By-Election – Excessive Security Deployment Will Lead to Low Voter Turnout- Warns Election Watch Ghana
Akwatia By-Election – Election Watch Ghana is raising a critical alarm ahead of the upcoming by-elections. The organization forcefully expresses its deep disappointment and concern regarding the overwhelming deployment of police personnel to the Akwantia constituency.
While maintaining law and order is undoubtedly important, this approach may inadvertently suppress voter participation and severely undermine the integrity of the entire electoral process.
Akwatia By-Election – Excessive Security Deployment The Dual Threat: Security Overreach and Inflammatory Rhetoric
Inflammatory rhetoric from some politicians dramatically exacerbates these concerns. We must emphasize that mainstream politicians, not grassroots party loyalists, often orchestrate electoral violence.
Therefore, the current focus on an intimidating security presence is misplaced. Instead, authorities must immediately shift their priority to ensuring strict adherence to electoral rules and regulations.
A Blueprint for a Peaceful and Credible Akwatia By-Election
Therefore, to ensure a peaceful, transparent, and credible by-election, Election Watch Ghana urgently recommends the following measures:
First, enforce strict accreditation protocols. Election officials must not allow unaccredited political actors inside a polling station, regardless of their stature or influence. Furthermore, the constitution must supersede the will of any individual.
Next, implement thorough security screening. All participants, including electoral officials, party representatives, and voters, should undergo comprehensive security checks before entering the polling station. This proactive measure will effectively prevent potential security breaches and ensure a safe environment for everyone.
Finally, prohibit all unauthorized groups. Groups of individuals, whether in uniform or not, who lack authorization to be in the voting environs must be strictly prohibited. This ban explicitly includes any form of vigilante or partisan group that could intimidate voters or disrupt the process.
A Call to Uphold Democratic Principles
By adhering strictly to these rules, Ghana can ensure a violence-free by-election that truly represents the will of the people of Akwatia. Elections should be a celebration of democracy and a contest of ideas, not a battleground.
Moreover, Election Watch Ghana highlights a dangerous precedent that threatens participatory democracy. The decision by any major party to selectively contest elections, as noted with the NPP in Tamale Central, undermines the very fabric of democratic processes.
Conclusion: A Turning Point for Ghanaian Democracy
In conclusion, Election Watch Ghana passionately urges all stakeholders—including the Electoral Commission, political parties, and security agencies—to prioritize the integrity of the electoral process above all else.
The Akwantia by-elections present a pivotal opportunity to mark a turning point in Ghana’s electoral history. Ultimately, we must shift the focus from heavy-handed security to unwavering adherence to democratic principles. The nation owes it to the people of Akwantia to uphold the integrity of our democracy.
