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AU Observers Call for Enhanced Inclusivity and Transparency in Ghana’s 2024 Elections

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As Ghana gears up for its December 7, 2024, general elections, the African Union Election Observation Mission (AUEOM) has emphasized the importance of building upon past electoral achievements to ensure a more inclusive, transparent, and credible process. Led by former Ethiopian President Sahle-Work Zewde, the AU team underscores Ghana’s role as a model for democratic governance in Africa.

The AUEOM highlighted the significance of inclusive voter registration efforts and the role of civic education. Initiatives like biometric voter registration, including facial recognition technology, were praised. However, there were calls for better communication to address concerns about voter exclusion and to bolster the public’s trust in the electoral process.

Despite progress, the AU expressed concern about low political representation of women. While over half of registered voters are women, their presence as candidates remains underrepresented. This underscores the need for structural changes to align with protocols like the Maputo Protocol, which advocates for gender equality in political participation.

Ghana’s vibrant media landscape and civil society’s role in election monitoring were commended. Yet, the mission noted uneven access to media platforms for smaller political parties, suggesting reforms to ensure balanced coverage

Past observations have demonstrated Ghana’s capability in managing elections effectively, from logistical readiness to the timely opening of polls. The AU mission urged continuous improvements to mitigate delays and enhance transparency during the counting and tabulation of votes.

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Aligned with the African Charter on Democracy and the AU Agenda 2063, the mission envisions the elections as an opportunity to deepen democratic values, ensure justice, and maintain peace. The AU team has pledged ongoing engagement to monitor the process and provide actionable feedback to strengthen future elections.

Ghana’s 2024 elections are not just a test of its democratic maturity but also a chance to set an example for the continent. The nation has the tools and experience to make this election a benchmark for excellence.

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