Election Watch: CODEO cautions on low voter education

As our nation inches closer to the 2024 Elections on December 7, the Coalition of Domestic Election Observers (CODEO) has raised concerns about the lack of voter and civic education in constituencies across the country.

In its latest report for October this year, CODEO’s findings highlight gaps in voter education and campaign presence, which, according to the observer group, may affect voter engagement and the active participation of the electorate in the upcoming election.

In every election, voter and civic education are necessary to ensure that all constituents—men and women alike—understand their rights, their political system, the contests they are being asked to decide on, and how and where to vote.

For an election to be successful and democratic, voters must understand their rights and responsibilities, and must be sufficiently knowledgeable and well informed to cast ballots that are legally valid and to participate meaningfully in the voting process.

Voter and civic education are even more critical, particularly in this general election where the stakes are high and the outcomes may have an unprecedented impact on the country’s future.

The report also mentions that the absence of targeted initiatives to empower female candidates and persons with disability (PWDs) raises concerns about inclusiveness in the electoral process.

Again, voter and civic education can be critical in enhancing women’s participation in elections, particularly in post-conflict countries in which women have not traditionally played an active role in the electoral process. 

The Daily Graphic holds the view that voter and civic education should therefore be accessible to both women and men. The information conveyed should be gender-sensitive and designed to be relevant to women. Civic education can help enhance women’s participation in elections, particularly through the dissemination of positive images of women as voters, leaders and participants in all aspects of the political process.

To address these concerns, CODEO urges stakeholders to intensify voter education efforts, promote responsible citizenship and ensure a peaceful electoral process. 

The Daily Graphic believes that the Electoral Commission (EC) and the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) must continue to prioritise voter education to ensure citizens understand the electoral process.

This includes explaining voting procedures, the importance of issue-based campaigning and the consequences of vote-buying. By empowering citizens with knowledge, we can promote responsible citizenship and a peaceful electoral process.

It is also worthy of note that CODEO observers found no specific capacity-building initiatives for female candidates and PWDs. Political parties, the state, civil society organisations (CSOs) and stakeholders must address this gap to ensure inclusive representation. This includes providing resources, training and platforms for marginalised groups to participate in the electoral process.

CODEO's report also highlights the need for enhanced security measures to prevent electoral violence. We commend the police for the high sense of professionalism displayed at polling stations and also at political events in recent years and we count on them to remain resolute in the upcoming election.

Ensuring a secure environment for campaigning and voting is crucial for maintaining public trust in the electoral process.

Ultimately, the success of our democratic process depends on collective responsibility. We urge citizens to remain vigilant, report incidents of electoral malpractice and demand accountability from candidates and officials.

By working together, we can ensure free, fair and peaceful elections that reflect the will of Ghanaians.

As we approach the December elections, it is imperative that we prioritise voter education and civic engagement. The Daily Graphic calls on all stakeholders to heed CODEO's recommendations and work towards a free, fair election.

We must put in more work to make this year’s election successful because our democracy has been praised for its remarkable progress over the past three decades. 

The country's democratic institutions have also been strengthened over the years. The EC has performed well in managing general elections, and the judiciary has played a crucial role in resolving post-election conflicts.

The Daily Graphic is appealing to all election stakeholders, especially the EC, NCCE, the media, and CSOs to intensify civic and voter education across the country ahead of the elections. This will help promote responsible citizenship and a peaceful electoral process.