2020 elections well held, but misuse of state resources persists: EU observers | Politics

The European Union Election Observation Mission (EU EOM) has noted that misuse of state resources and unregulated campaign finance has resulted in an uneven playing field in Ghana’s electoral process.

The EU, in a preliminary statement on the December 7 presidential and parliamentary elections in Ghana, also mentioned that the elections were organized efficiently and transparently and that voters participated freely.

“The elections were competitive and contestants were able to campaign without hindrance. A few isolated violent incidents occurred and numerous stakeholders expressed deep apprehensions about the possible use of vigilante groups by political parties,” the statement said.

“Unregulated political finance, misuse of state resources and numerous cases of vote buying resulted in an uneven playing field. Ghana’s dynamic and diverse media sector provided voters with sufficient information about the main competing parties and their candidates “.

Poor oversight of campaign finance

The EU Observer Mission said that the Ghana Constitution, combined with the Political Parties Act, sets the legal framework for party financing, but there were inadequate political financing regulations and poor oversight by the Electoral Commission. , which undermines the transparency and accountability of the electoral process.

Observers also claimed that many candidates rely on personal funding, largely drawn from their own pockets, which has resulted in the monetization of politics in the country.

“Parties and candidates are not eligible for direct government funding. However, there is no law that expressly prohibits the use of public funds or resources by government officials for party or campaign activities,” the statement read. release.

“There are no limits on contributions or spending, resulting in a lack of transparency and accountability, contrary to the international principle of ensuring that voters’ free choice is not undermined by disproportionate spending on behalf of a candidate or party. Although political parties must, within 21 days prior to an election, submit a statement of assets and liabilities to the EC, this was not enforced, further limiting public scrutiny and transparency of political financing.

“Within six months after the elections, a party must make a financial statement that combines presidential and parliamentary campaign expenses. By 2020, the EC notified the 11 contending political parties of their obligations in this regard. The parties and candidates they are funded primarily through subscriptions and donations from members of individuals and ‘sponsors’, including those in the diaspora, whose identities are not always made public. “

Team of observers of the EU EOM

The European Union Election Observation Mission (EU EOM) has been present in Ghana since November 1, 2020, following an invitation from the Government and the Electoral Commission.

The Mission is led by the Chief Observer, Javier Nart, Member of the European Parliament (Spain). In total, the EU EOM deployed 81 observers from 26 EU member states, Canada, Norway and Switzerland across the country to assess the entire electoral process against international obligations and commitments for democratic elections, as well as the laws of Ghana. .

On Election Day, observers visited more than 329 polling stations in 102 of the 275 constituencies to observe voting and counting.

The EU EOM is independent in its findings and conclusions and adheres to the Declaration of Principles for International Electoral Observation signed at the United Nations in October 2005.