NCCE sounds alarm on rising voter willingness to engage in election violence

Accra, Ghana -  October 24, 2024 - Kathleen Addy, Chairperson of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), has raised concerns over the growing readiness of Ghanaians to engage in election-related violence ahead of the December 7 polls.

This alarm follows the release of a recent NCCE report on voter concerns, which revealed that some voters are willing to resort to violence to advance party interests or in response to perceived electoral malpractice.

Key Findings of the NCCE Report

- Increasing willingness to engage in election violence: Some voters are prepared to resort to violence to advance party interests or respond to perceived electoral malpractice.
- Erosion of public confidence: The report highlights the need to reinforce government institutions to restore public confidence in the electoral process.

Addy emphasized the urgent need to reinforce government institutions to prevent violence and restore public confidence in the electoral process.

“We have people who are willing to say on record that yes, they’re willing to participate in violent activities at least for one reason or the other, it should be a great source of worry to all well-meaning Ghanaians.

“And as people, we should work together to ensure that we build confidence in the systems that have been set up for governance. So that people will not be compelled to take that course of action.

“People should have the understanding that there are conflict resolutions that are available to various institutions, through the Peace Council. Various institutions and we should use this mechanism to resolve every misunderstanding that comes up.

“When you go to the polling stations, the parties already have someone there ensuring that the parties are allocated with the votes they get. If you have not been delegated to represent your party, you have no business going there to do party work,'' she added.

Source: Lead News Online