EC’s directive on proposal by NDC is condescending – Prof Gyampo

An associate Professor of Political Science at the University of Ghana, Ransford Gyampo, has described as disrespectful, the EC’s directive to the National Democratic Congress (NDC) to table its proposals for electoral reforms to the Inter-Party Advisory Committee (IPAC).

Commenting on the issue on his Facebook page, Professor Ransford Gyampo described the directive as condescending.

He therefore urged the electoral body to rather table those proposals before the Committee.

The opposition NDC has made some proposals for reforms in the country’s electoral system.

Key among the suggestions from the party is that the appointment of electoral commissioners must be made with prior approval of Parliament.

The party said the current mode of appointments makes the EC appear partisan.

The NDC said the recommendations were informed by perceived flaws in the 2020 election, which spawned a presidential election petition after John Mahama rejected President Akufo-Addo’s election victory.

The Jean Mensah-led Electoral Commission, however directed the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) to table its proposed electoral reforms before the Interparty Advisory Committee (IPAC) for dialogue.

The Commission said it is open to suggestions and feedback to enhance the country’s electoral process but insists IPAC is the appropriate forum for such suggestions.

The directive was after the EC took delivery of the NDC’s proposals.

The National Democratic Congress (NDC) said it did not submit its proposals for electoral reforms to the Inter-Party Advisory Committee (IPAC) because the Committee is problematic.