Electoral Commission of Ghana to Publish Election Results Online for the First Time in 2024

In a groundbreaking move aimed at enhancing transparency, the Electoral Commission of Ghana will, for the first time, publish election results on its website. The decision was confirmed by the EC’s Deputy Chairperson, Dr. Bossman Asare, during an interview on JoyNews’ The Probe on September 15, 2024.

This initiative follows widespread calls from key stakeholders, including Dr. Mohamed Ibn Chambas, the African Union High Representative for Silencing the Guns, who has been vocal about the need for greater transparency in the electoral process. Dr. Chambas, along with other election observers, emphasized that making polling station results accessible online would significantly bolster the credibility and transparency of elections.

Dr. Asare acknowledged these calls and explained that the EC had already deliberated on the matter, with plans in place to implement the new measure during the 2024 general elections. He said, “This is something the commission has discussed, and it is something we are going to do in 2024.”

The idea behind publishing results online is to ensure that the electoral process is open for scrutiny, allowing any party, observer, or interested individual to verify the outcomes from various polling stations. This is particularly significant in light of the increasing number of legal challenges to election results. By providing real-time access to polling station results, the EC hopes to minimize doubts, reduce court cases, and prevent unnecessary disputes.

Commitment to Transparency

One of the main reasons behind this decision is the EC’s commitment to ensuring that election processes remain as transparent as possible. By publishing polling station results online, the EC aims to dispel suspicions and unfounded accusations that could arise from delays in announcing official outcomes.

Dr. Asare noted, “We will make sure that the polling station results are published on our website way before people who want to go to court. They want to test the law and be sure to establish what actually happened at the polling station.”

He further emphasized the Electoral Commission of Ghana’s determination to tick all the necessary boxes to satisfy political parties, movements, and the public at large. Transparency, he explained, is crucial to ensuring that elections are perceived as free and fair, particularly in a highly competitive political environment.

Implementation Strategy

Since this will be the first time the Electoral Commission of Ghana is publishing election results online, the process will be carefully managed. Dr. Asare mentioned that the results would only be uploaded once all polling station data had been compiled and verified. “Since it’s the first time the commission is doing it, we will ensure that once we have the full results of all polling stations, then we go ahead and do [publish] it,” he clarified.

This cautious approach is intended to prevent errors or discrepancies in the results before they are made publicly accessible. Although it may delay the publication of the first batch of results, the Electoral Commission of Ghana believes this method will ensure accuracy and maintain the integrity of the data.

A New Era for Election Management in Ghana

The move to publish election results online marks a significant shift in how election data is managed and shared in Ghana. It is a clear step toward greater openness and is expected to enhance trust in the electoral system. By making data available to the public, the Electoral Commission of Ghana is providing a platform for citizens to independently verify election outcomes, reducing the likelihood of misinformation and rumors.

Moreover, this decision aligns with global trends, where election management bodies increasingly leverage technology to improve transparency. Countries such as Kenya and India have implemented similar measures, allowing real-time access to election results as a way of promoting confidence in their electoral processes.

Conclusion

As Ghana gears up for the 2024 general elections, the EC’s decision to publish polling station results online is seen as a game-changer in the country’s electoral landscape. The initiative is expected to promote transparency, reduce legal challenges, and boost public confidence in the electoral process. While this will be the first time the Electoral Commission of Ghana has implemented such a measure, the commission’s careful approach indicates its commitment to ensuring accuracy and integrity in the reporting of election results.

By taking this proactive step, the Electoral Commission of Ghana is setting a precedent for future elections, signaling its dedication to transparency, fairness, and democratic values.