In a recent appearance before Parliament, Electoral Commission Chairperson Jean Mensa clarified the commission's role in election security, stating that it is not responsible for ensuring peace and security during the electoral process. This mandate, she emphasized, lies solely with the Ghana Police Service.
Mensa explained that the Electoral Commission collaborates with security agencies through the Election Security Task Force at national, regional, and district levels, providing them with necessary details to facilitate their work. However, the commission does not have responsibility for security decisions or actions.
"We engage with the security agencies, but we are not responsible for security," Mensa stated. "The police have full responsibility for security before, during, and after the elections, and they take all their security decisions without recourse to the Electoral Commission."
Mensa assured that the Electoral Commission remains committed to conducting transparent and credible elections, with transparency, fairness, and integrity embedded in all processes, from registration to declaration.
_Security Arrangements for Elections_
The Electoral Commission has emphasized that security arrangements for elections are the sole responsibility of the Ghana Police Service. This includes:
- Providing security personnel for polling stations
- Ensuring the safety of electoral materials and equipment
- Maintaining law and order during the electoral process
- Investigating and prosecuting electoral offenses
- Coordinating with other security agencies to ensure comprehensive security coverage
- Conducting risk assessments and threat analysis
_Collaboration with Security Agencies_
The Electoral Commission collaborates with security agencies through the Election Security Task Force, providing them with necessary details to facilitate their work. This includes:
- Providing information on polling stations and electoral materials
- Collaborating on security arrangements for electoral events
- Sharing intelligence on potential security threats
- Conducting joint training and capacity-building exercises
- Participating in joint planning and coordination meetings
_Transparency and Credibility_
The Electoral Commission remains committed to conducting transparent and credible elections, with transparency, fairness, and integrity embedded in all processes, from registration to declaration. This includes:
- Ensuring the accuracy and integrity of the voter register
- Providing transparent and accessible information on electoral processes
- Ensuring the secrecy and integrity of the ballot
- Conducting regular audits and reviews of electoral processes
- Engaging with stakeholders and observers
_Electoral Process Integrity_
The Electoral Commission has implemented measures to ensure the integrity of the electoral process, including:
- Secure storage and transportation of electoral materials
- Tamper-evident electoral materials
- Trained electoral officials and staff
- Observers and monitors
- Electronic voting systems with robust security features
Conclusion
The Electoral Commission has clarified its role in election security, emphasizing that it is not responsible for ensuring peace and security during the electoral process. The commission remains committed to conducting transparent and credible elections, collaborating with security agencies to ensure the integrity of the electoral process.
