The Ghana Center for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana) has cautioned government and its agencies against any interference in the upcoming referendum process which will undermine the integrity of the polls.
“In the next two weeks, as the nation prepares for the exercise, it is the expectation of the Center that the EC will hold free, fair and credible elections in accordance with the principles,” it dtated.
According to CDD-Ghana, it is critical that the Commission collaborates with relevant security agencies to ensure that the environment of the referendum is without fear and intimidation, and that the results of the elections will be a true reflection of the people who took part in the elections.
It called on Electoral Commission (EC) to step up public education and sensitization on the upcoming referendum for the creation of new regions, particularly with regards to voting arrangements and procedures, to enable qualified voters to make the right decisions.
CDD in a statement indicated that given the concerns and interests aroused since the announcement by government to create new regions, and recent media reports on reservations and opposition to the proposal, particularly in parts of the Volta and Northern regions of the country, there is the need for an extensive public education to make people aware of what the who exercise entails to be able to appreciate the decisions they make.
CDD said it note in particular, the unanimous ruling by the Supreme Court of Ghana which dismissed a suit brought before it by three individuals challenging the decision of the Electoral Commission (EC) to allow only residents in the affected areas instead of the entire region to vote in the referendum.
The suit it said had also sought clarity on who qualified to vote in the referendum, specifically in relation to the creation of the Oti Region.
“CDD-Ghana also took notice of the maturation in Parliament of Constitutional Instrument (CI) 109 which will regulate the conduct of the impending referendum scheduled for December 27, 2018. y these two developments, the EC has a clear path to conduct the referendum in the affected parts of the country,” the statement said.
CDD-Ghana has also expressed satisfaction at government for publishing the full report of the Justice Brobbey Committee following a directive by the President to that effect.
This, it said is consistent with the good governance practice of transparency and citizens’ right to public information.
“The people in the affected areas have the right to know what their voting options (a Yes or No vote) mean and the full implications of either votes. In this regard, CDD-Ghana recognizes the roles and responsibilities of various stakeholders, including civil society/community-based organizations, in carrying out peaceful sensitization activities.”
CDD-Ghana, however cautioned government and its agencies against any interference in the referendum process which will undermine the integrity of the polls.
By PROSPER AGBENYEGA