Uganda’s Electoral Commissioner Praises Ghana’s Electoral Integrity
Anthony Okello, Uganda’s Electoral Commissioner, praised Ghana’s electoral process during an interview, emphasizing its robust verification and ballot validation systems. He underscored how these practices enhance credibility and prevent unauthorized voting using Biometric Verification Devices. His observations serve as a valuable model for other African countries seeking to improve election integrity.
In a recent interview with GhanaWeb TV on December 7, 2024, the Electoral Commissioner for Uganda, Mr. Anthony Okello, expressed his admiration for Ghana’s electoral system, emphasizing its commitment to conducting credible and transparent elections. He highlighted how the verification process effectively safeguards the integrity of the electoral practice and serves as a model for other African nations to emulate.
During his observations at the polling stations, Mr. Okello noted the significance of validating ballot papers before they are distributed to voters, stating that this practice enhances the credibility of the election. He remarked, “You see 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 so, at the end of the day if you find a strange ballot paper that is not validated then I think this process brings credibility.”
Mr. Okello further elaborated on the use of Biometric Verification Devices (BVDs), which he claimed play a pivotal role in maintaining the election’s integrity by preventing unauthorized voting. He remarked, “Those who have not registered in that polling station cannot vote because you verify them using a code which is in the voters register oh probably using the facial of that person and I think this is all very good and it is a talking machine and everybody can hear that person has been validated.”
His commendation of Ghana’s electoral framework not only reflects the on-ground realities witnessed during his observations but also underscores the potential for Ghana to lead the way in electoral reforms within Africa. The insights provided by Mr. Okello may serve as valuable lessons for nations striving to improve their own electoral processes.
The electoral process significantly impacts democratic governance, and various nations constantly seek to enhance their systems for greater credibility and transparency. As part of this endeavor, regional collaboration and observation are crucial. Uganda’s Electoral Commissioner visited Ghana as an observer to gain insights into its electoral process. His remarks indicate a recognition of the need for robust systems that can prevent fraud and ensure a fair voting experience for all citizens. Mr. Okello’s evaluation serves as a discussion point for other African countries facing challenges in their elections.
In summary, Mr. Anthony Okello’s observations and commendations of Ghana’s electoral process highlight its integrity and reliability. His emphasis on the verification and validation measures illustrates the importance of such practices in fostering trust in elections. As Uganda strives to bolster its democratic process, the lessons learned from Ghana could play a significant role in informing future reforms. Mr. Okello’s insights advocate for other African nations to adopt similar mechanisms to enhance their own electoral credibility.
Original Source: www.ghanaweb.com
