Ghana's CODEO Proposes Shorter Timelines for Parliamentary Election Petitions

The Coalition of Domestic Election Observers (CODEO) in Ghana has proposed significant reforms to the country's electoral system, advocating for shorter timelines for parliamentary election petitions. The recommendations aim to streamline the legal process and ensure the timely resolution of electoral disputes.

Dr. Kojo Pumpuni Asante, the Director of Programmes and Policy Engagement at the Ghana Centre for Democratic Development (CDD Ghana), urged the Judicial Service of Ghana to amend PNDCL 284.

The proposed amendments would expedite the handling of parliamentary election cases at both the High Court and the Court of Appeal. Dr. Asante recommended a maximum of 67 days and a minimum of 47 days for resolving such cases following the declaration of election results, emphasizing the need to maintain judicial rigor while accelerating the legal process.

CDD Ghana also called for improvements in results management and announcement, expanding access to voting for Ghanaians abroad, addressing campaign financing issues, and the passage of the Affirmative Action Bill to allow for quotas for women aspirants within political parties. The organization stressed the importance of the Electoral Commission (EC) establishing clear legal and administrative procedures for handling irregularities by polling and collation officials during elections. Moreover, CDD Ghana advocated for the EC to adopt transparent practices, such as the timely publication of detailed polling station and collation center results on its website before the declaration of presidential election results.

Why this matters: The proposed reforms by CODEO and CDD Ghana have the potential to significantly impact Ghana's electoral system, promoting fairness, transparency, and the swift resolution of disputes. By addressing key issues such as the timeline for adjudicating parliamentary election petitions, results management, and women's representation, these recommendations aim to strengthen Ghana's democratic processes and ensure the integrity of future elections.

Albert Arhin, the National Coordinator for CODEO, emphasized the need for collaborations with the media to effectively engage and educate citizens on the proposed electoral reforms. The recommendations were made during a training workshop for journalists in Tema, organized by CDD Ghana with support from the European Union. The workshop aimed to build the capacity of journalists and create platforms for media practitioners to discuss and advocate for electoral reforms in Ghana's 2024 general election.

Key Takeaways

• CODEO proposes reforms to Ghana's electoral system, including shorter timelines for parliamentary election petitions.
• CDD Ghana calls for amendments to expedite handling of parliamentary election cases at High Court and Court of Appeal.
• Recommendations aim to improve results management, voting access for Ghanaians abroad, and women's representation in politics.
• CDD Ghana advocates for the Electoral Commission to adopt transparent practices, such as timely publication of polling results.
• CODEO and CDD Ghana collaborate with media to engage and educate citizens on proposed electoral reforms for 2024 elections.