CJ must act swiftly on petition for removal of EC chairperson-LMVCA

Let My Vote Count Alliance (LMVCA), a political pressure group is urging Chief Justice Mrs. Sophia Akuffo to deal expeditiously with the allegations of corruption against Chairperson of the Electoral Commission (EC) Charlotte Osei and other Commissioners in order to restore the integrity of the EC.

According to the group, the dwindling image of the EC in the light of the recent petition for the removal of the Chairperson of the EC as well as the allegations and counter allegations of corruption, criminality and abuse of office leveled against by the Chairperson of the Electoral Commission of Ghana by her Deputies and staff do not augur well for the nation.

It would be recalled that some staff of Ghana’s Electoral Management body EC have filed a petition to President Akufo-Addo accusing the Chairperson of engaging in corrupt practices.

President Akufo-Addo forwarded the petition to the Chief Justice in line with the 1992 Constitution of the Republic.

“Any activity or action that shakes the very foundation of the Commission’s integrity and their ability to be fair breeds mistrust by the electorate in the commission.

The results and consequences can be dire for any nation. Recently, the Supreme Court of Kenya annulled the results of the Presidential Elections due to allegations of elections malpractice. It is on this premise that LMVCA believes that the integrity and credibility of the EC must be intact at all times so the electorate can confidently be rest assured of credible elections.”

The LMVCA made the call in a statement they issued to mark the two years anniversary of the police brutalities against protesters who were pushing for a new voter’s register ahead of the 2016 General Elections.

One person lost his sight while several others sustained varying degree of injuries.

“In spite of the brutalities meted out to the peaceful demonstrators, the demonstration of 16th September, 2015 is a watershed event in the democracy of our nation as it sparked public sensitization and massive electoral awakening to be vigilant and watchful in order to secure credible elections from the Electoral Commission of Ghana.

It is no coincidence; therefore, that the 2016 elections resulted in a landslide victory in which all other parties graciously accepted the outcome,” the statement said.

Below is the full statement

THE LET MY VOTE COUNT ALLIANCE MARKS THE SECOND ANNIVERSARY OF THE DEMONSTRATION HELD ON 16TH SEPTEMBER, 2015 TO DEMAND CREDIBLE ELECTIONS

The Let My Vote Count Alliance (LMVCA) marks the second anniversary of the historic demonstration that was held on 16th September, 2015 to demand for a clean voters’ register and credible elections ahead of the December 2016 elections.

Two years ago, an otherwise peaceful demonstration was disrupted when the police and security operatives charged on unarmed, non-violent civilian demonstrators with guns, batons, hot water cannons and tear gas.

LMVCA commiserates with the hundreds of people who suffered various degrees of injuries during the demonstration. For many, the physical scars as well as emotional trauma emanating from the incident are still unforgettable. The case is pending in the law court, and LMVCA is committed to seeking justice for the victims.

In spite of the brutalities meted out to the peaceful demonstrators, the demonstration of 16th September, 2015 is a watershed event in the democracy of our nation as it sparked public sensitization and massive electoral awakening to be vigilant and watchful in order to secure credible elections from the Electoral Commission of Ghana.

It is no coincidence; therefore, that the 2016 elections resulted in a landslide victory in which all other parties graciously accepted the outcome. In this regard, the Chairperson of the Electoral Commission of Ghana recently received the 2017 Women of Courage Award, an award conferred on her by the United States Department of State for her role in the 2016 elections.

LMVCA is however concerned about the dwindling image of the EC in the light of the recent petition for the removal of the Chairperson of the EC as well as the allegations and counter allegations of corruption, criminality and abuse of office leveled against by the Chairperson of the Electoral Commission of Ghana by her Deputies and staff.

Any activity or action that shakes the very foundation of the Commission’s integrity and their ability to be fair breeds mistrust by the electorate in the commission. The results and consequences can be dire for any nation.

Recently, the Supreme Court of Kenya annulled the results of the Presidential Elections due to allegations of elections malpractice. It is on this premise that LMVCA believes that the integrity and credibility of the EC must be intact at all times so the electorate can confidently be rest assured of credible elections.

It is therefore crucial that the allegations and counter allegations of corruption are dealt with expeditiously by the Chief Justice in order to restore the integrity of the EC.

LMVCA remains committed to ensuring transparency and fairness in the electoral process and urges the Electoral Commission of Ghana to expedite action in implementing the 25 electoral reforms that were proposed prior to the 2016 elections.

Let My Vote Count Don’t Destroy Our Democracy

Signed John Hall Acquaah Operations Director

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