In a bid to ensure transparency and prevent the spread of misinformation, the Director of Electoral Services at the Electoral Commission has proposed that media representatives be granted access to Inter-Party Advisory Committee (IPAC) meetings.
This suggestion comes amidst ongoing concerns over the differing narratives presented by the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) regarding discussions and decisions made during IPAC meetings.
The Director emphasized that allowing media presence would mitigate the conflicting accounts often disseminated by political parties.
“There is a suggestion that the media be present during IPAC meetings. If the media is present, politicians won’t be able to give their own version of accounts of events, because the media is present and they know what happened, hence can report accordingly,” he stated Onua FM’s Yen Nsempa on May 16.
This recommendation aims to address the recent political rumors suggesting that the Electoral Commission (EC) is facing financial difficulties, which purportedly influenced its decision to implement a limited voter registration ahead of the 2024 General Elections.
The Director clarified that both major political parties were fully aware of the reasons behind the EC’s decision, having been present at the relevant meetings.
“Politicians know very well why the EC decided on this because both parties were present in the meeting,” he explained.
However, he criticized the tendency of political figures to provide contrasting reports post-meeting.
“Something that is white in nature, let party A call it white; you will find party B calling it blue. We went for IPAC meetings, and we discussed this agenda thoroughly, but after the meeting, you will find each party giving their own report.”
The call for media inclusion in IPAC meetings, he mentioned is a proactive measure to foster transparency and accountability, ensuring that the public receives accurate and consistent information directly from a reliable source.
As the 2024 general elections approach, this proposal he says llcould play a crucial role in maintaining the integrity of the electoral process and enhancing public trust in the EC’s operations.
By Lois Dogbe
