Ugandan Electoral Commissioner Praises Ghana’s Transparent Election Process
Uganda’s Electoral Commissioner, Anthony Okello, commended Ghana for its credible and transparent electoral process during his observation of the 2024 elections. He praised the validation of ballot papers and the use of Biometric Verification Devices, highlighting their roles in reinforcing the election’s integrity and serving as a model for other African nations.
The Electoral Commissioner for Uganda, Anthony Okello, has praised Ghana’s electoral process for its commitment to ensuring credible, fair, and transparent elections. In an interview conducted on Election Desk via GhanaWeb TV on December 7, 2024, Mr. Okello, who was present as an electoral observer, emphasized the importance of a robust verification system as a model for other African nations. He expressed his gratitude towards the Ghanaian electoral approach, stating that his team had gained considerable insights during their observation.
Mr. Okello highlighted a critical component of Ghana’s electoral system: the validation of all ballot papers prior to distribution to voters. He explained that this step ensures that only legitimate entries are placed in the ballot boxes, thereby affirming the integrity of the electoral outcomes. He remarked, “You see one important aspect that I have picked is that all ballot papers are validated before they are given to voters…if you find a strange ballot paper that is not validated then I think this process brings credibility.”
Furthermore, Mr. Okello underscored the role of Biometric Verification Devices (BVDs) in preventing unauthorized voting, which he considers essential for maintaining the election’s integrity. He stated, “I think this is good, because you are relying on the machine for verification, and you want to ensure credibility…Those who have not registered in that polling station cannot vote because you verify them using a code which is in the voters register.” He commended the efficacy of the technology used and acknowledged its role in safeguarding the election process and enhancing transparency.
This laudation reflects a broader recognition of Ghana’s electoral mechanisms, which serve not only to uphold democratic principles but also to provide a blueprint for neighboring countries seeking to improve their electoral frameworks.
The discussion surrounding electoral integrity in Africa is a pertinent topic, especially as many nations navigate their electoral processes amid political challenges. Ghana has garnered praise for its systematic approach to conducting elections, particularly through initiatives that are perceived as benchmarks within the continent. The involvement of foreign observers, such as the Ugandan Electoral Commissioner, underscores the international interest and validation of Ghana’s methodology, which seeks to promote democratic values and trust in the electoral process.
In conclusion, Anthony Okello’s commendation of Ghana’s electoral process highlights the effectiveness of its verification systems and the innovative use of technology in preventing electoral fraud. His observations not only reinforce Ghana’s position as a leader in electoral integrity within Africa but also call attention to essential practices that other nations may adopt to bolster their democratic processes. The implementation of such systems fosters greater public trust and electoral credibility, which are essential for a healthy democracy.
Original Source: www.ghanaweb.com
