The Coalition of Domestic Election Observers (CODEO), a civil society group, on Sunday, announced that it is deploying more than 4000 election observers to observe the 7th December elections.
The coalition said its observers would be in all the 275 constituencies.
Sheikh Armiyawo Shaibu, Acting Chair of CODEO, addressing a media conference in Accra, on its preparedness towards the elections, said the prevention of election violence would be paramount in the activities.
The observers would constantly be in touch with the security agencies to inform them of any vigilante activity to nip any violence or looming violence in the bud.
“We require all Ghanaians not to allow themselves to be used for any violent acts during this period and beyond. CODEO implores the security forces deployed for election duties to keep to their professionalism by focusing on the security of the ballot process, voters, independent observes, and indeed all Ghanaians, and to undertake these crucial duties in a lawful and non partisan manner,” Sheik Shaibu said.
The CODEO urged the media not to use their platforms to create violence on Election Day and beyond.
“Finally, we must, as Ghanaians, use this occasion to demonstrate to the entire world of our determination to stay on this path of democratic and accountable governance of electing our leaders and representatives in a participatory and peaceful manner, ” Sheikh Shaibu said.
He announced that the civil society organization would among other things, set up a critical incident desk at its National Information Centre to receive reports on infractions and other electoral malpractices that may occur during the voting process.
Based on observations and findings, Sheikh Shaibu said CODEO plans to make available to the general public three statements within 24 hours following the start of voting.
It would hold a press conference at the National Identification Centre at the Kofi Annan International Peaecekeeping Centre at midday and issue a report after the close of polls.
The CODEO reaffirmed its commitment to play its role as an independent, impartial and objective Observer during the process.
It pledged to use it presence at the 15,000 out of the 38,000 Electoral Commission (EC) designated polling stations, in all the 275 constituencies to have a moderating influence on key actors and help ensure electoral integrity.
“CODEO will continue to collaborate and cooperate with the EC, political parties, like minded civil society orgnisations, platforms, international observers, the media and other stakeholders with similar goals in order for Ghana to achieve, once again, a peaceful credible and successful 2020 elections,” Sheikh Shaibu emphasized.
The CODEO urged voters to dutifully abide by COVID-19 health safety protocols to prevent the spread of the virus during the voting process.
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