The Institute for Democratic Governance (IDEG) has called for a non-partisan, integrity-driven approach to appointing officials to the Electoral Commission (EC), stressing that the credibility of Ghana’s electoral system depends on the quality and neutrality of its leadership.
According to IDEG, appointments to the EC must be guided strictly by competence, professionalism, and integrity, rather than political considerations, in order to strengthen public trust in the country’s democratic process.
In a statement and recent engagement on electoral governance reforms, IDEG emphasised that the independence of the Electoral Commission remains a cornerstone of Ghana’s democracy and must be protected from political interference.
The institute cautioned that any perception of partisan influence in the selection of EC officials could undermine public confidence in election outcomes and fuel electoral tensions.
IDEG said, “Integrity, not politics, should guide appointments to the Electoral Commission. The credibility of elections depends heavily on the neutrality and professionalism of those managing the process”.
It further noted that the EC’s role in managing elections requires individuals who are not only technically competent but also perceived to be impartial by all political actors.
The governance think tank urged stakeholders, including the Presidency and Parliament, to adhere strictly to constitutional provisions and best practices when making appointments to the Commission.
IDEG also recommended stronger transparency mechanisms in the appointment process, including broader consultations and clear criteria for selecting EC leadership.
