From Ernest Best Anane, Kumasi
DR. FRANKLYN Odro, Head of programmes and manager at Coalition of Domestic Observers (CODEO) secretariat, has stated that election is meaningless without free and fair voting.
He has, therefore, suggested that ensuring free and fair elections to enhance our democratic system is a shared responsibility of all concerned Ghanaians in partnering the Electoral Commission to run genuine elections either local or National.
Speaking at the Training of Election Day Observers, under the theme ‘Enhancing citizen’s participation in the local Government/District Assemblies elections, Deepening Ghana’s Decentralization process’- he pleaded with Ghanaians, especially stakeholders to be committed to democracy and help strengthen the local level governance.
According to him, the overview of CODEO 2015 District elections objective was to mobilize Ghanaians to participate in general and local elections, in complementing the Electoral Commission (EC) to be more transparent, free and fair before, during and after elections.
Dr. Odro entreated the observers to be more vigilant and observant as they have been tasked to do and reminded them that their presence at centers alone could help avoid rigging of the process.
He observed that without the presence of the independent observers at the polling centers, people will feel cheated when things do not go their way, adding that if an independent observer is present and has evidence that no ballot boxes were taken or nobody acted against the rules and regulations guiding the electoral process, then you can confirm that the elections were free and fair.
He disclosed that CODEO is an institution made up of over forty (40) bodies and it covers a wide area of the electoral process, saying the mere presence of the observer deters people from fraudulent acts.
Mr. Ernest Arko, a facilitator, charged the observers to scrutinize everything that is happening within 300 meters radius of election centers, but they do not have the right to interfere with the process or the Presiding Officer, as to who is winning or losing.
He entreated them to be non partisan by remaining politically neutral, impartial and non-discriminatory and avoid obstruction of the election process or officials, electoral contestants or voters.
The facilitator also urged them to be independent of government, including neutral authorities, and should be transparent, accurate and honest with other observers.