Commentary, News

Experts call for collaboration to ensure peaceful Akwatia by-election

By Rebecca Ekpe

Beyond the Electoral Commission’s pivotal role in ensuring electoral decorum, political parties and their candidates also bear responsibility for making the upcoming Akwatia by-election free from rancour. Experts say this can be achieved by limiting activities that often heighten tensions, such as vote-buying and busing people to vote.

Political parties and their candidates are urged to respect electoral laws, the Vigilantism Act, and security arrangements, and not deploy macho men, vigilante groups, or approach the polls with a retaliatory mindset based on previous election disputes.

More importantly, parties and candidates should avoid inflammatory language, hate speech, and provocative campaigning that could inflame tensions or trigger reprisals.

This time, attention is also on the Ghana Police Service. As promised by its leadership, intelligence gathering will be enhanced during the Akwatia by-election, alongside the use of early-warning systems to detect and defuse potential violence before, during and after the polls.

Experts stress the need for trained personnel to be deployed to polling stations and hotspots to ensure visibility without intimidating voters. Quick-response units should also be on standby to manage emergencies, while adhering strictly to human rights guidelines. They add that prompt arrests and prosecutions of perpetrators will be vital in preventing impunity and deterring electoral violence.

Ahead of the September 2 vote, the Electoral Commission is expected to provide timely and clear information on polling stations, procedures, and results collation to reduce speculation and mistrust. Adequate staffing, logistics, and materials will also be required to prevent delays that could frustrate voters.

Civil society organisations and the media are being called on to work together by deploying credible observers to enhance transparency and reassure the public. They should also educate voters on their rights, the importance of peaceful participation and lawful avenues for redress.

The media, in particular, is urged to avoid sensationalism, verify information more critically, and prioritise peace messaging.

Experts further highlight the critical role of traditional and religious leaders in preaching tolerance, respect, and non-violence.

Citizens, too, have a role to play. Voters in Akwatia are expected to exercise restraint during voting, collation, and declaration of results. They are urged to resist attempts by politicians to use them as tools for intimidation or malpractice, and to report incidents of vote-buying, intimidation or illegal possession of arms to the authorities before, during, and after the by-election.