Ghana’s Electoral Process Receives Praise from Uganda’s Electoral Commissioner
Anthony Okello, Uganda’s Electoral Commissioner, praised Ghana’s electoral process during an interview on December 7, 2024. He emphasized the importance of the rigorous validation of ballots and the implementation of Biometric Verification Devices in ensuring a credible and transparent election system. Okello stated that these mechanisms should serve as a model for other African nations aiming to improve their electoral processes.
In a recent interview on GhanaWeb TV’s Election Desk, Anthony Okello, Uganda’s Electoral Commissioner, commended Ghana’s electoral system for its commitment to fairness, transparency, and credibility in elections. Observing the electoral process on December 7, 2024, he noted that Ghana’s robust verification mechanisms serve as a model for other African nations.
Okello specifically highlighted the significance of validating all ballot papers before distribution, which enhances the integrity of the electoral process. He remarked, “One important aspect that I have picked is that all ballot papers are validated before they are given to voters, and I think it enables whatever entries placed in the ballot box to be validated.” This meticulous process, according to him, ensures that any non-validated ballot papers are easily identifiable, thus increasing the overall credibility of the elections.
Additionally, Okello praised the use of Biometric Verification Devices (BVDs) which prevent unauthorized voting, further safeguarding the election’s integrity. He stated, “Those who have not registered in that polling station cannot vote because you verify them using a code in the voters register or probably using the facial of that person,” underscoring the effectiveness of technology in verifying voter identities.
He concluded his observations by emphasizing the transparent nature of the verification process, which not only guarantees the legitimacy of each vote but also reassures voters about the credibility of the electoral outcomes.
The electoral systems across African nations vary significantly in efficiency and transparency. Ensuring free and fair elections is crucial for the stability and democratic integrity of any country. Ghana has made considerable efforts to implement a comprehensive verification system to enhance the credibility of its elections. Observers like the Ugandan Electoral Commissioner play a vital role in assessing and sharing best practices that can be emulated by other countries facing electoral challenges.
In summary, Anthony Okello’s observations regarding Ghana’s electoral process underscore its commitment to maintaining a credible and transparent election system. The validation of ballot papers and the application of Biometric Verification Devices are critical measures in preventing electoral fraud and ensuring that only eligible voters participate in the electoral process. These initiatives not only enhance the credibility of elections in Ghana but also serve as exemplary practices for other African nations striving for similar electoral integrity.
Original Source: www.ghanaweb.com
