EC boss' vote won’t determine winner of polls - Lecturer

Political science lecturer at the University of Ghana (UG), Dr. Evans Aggrey Darko said the decision by the Chairperson of Ghana’s Electoral Commission not to vote will have no significant impact on the outcome of the results.

Speaking in an interview on Metro TV’s Good Evening Ghana, the EC chair said “I will not be voting on the election day like you because I don’t want to. It is not compulsory, it is a special privilege.”

Some political science lecturers have faulted the Commissioner describing her decision as politically immature.

But commenting on the decision by the EC chair, Dr. Evans Aggrey Darko explained that the decision is entirely that of the EC boss since voting in Ghana is not compulsory.

However, the political science lecturer posited that the right to vote is priceless and he will always vote in an election, even if it is organised in his bedroom.

He indicated that the EC chair by her decision wants to stay neutral. Meanwhile, the decision he maintained would not not mean that she will be independent and ensure a fair and transparent process.

Speaking in an interview with Nyankonton Mu Nsem on Rainbow Radio 87.5FM, the political science lecturer said, ''as to whether Charlotte Osei votes or not, it will not affect the fortunes of any political party. Her decision to vote or not to vote will not determine the winner of the elections. But what will help and enhance our democracy is for the EC to ensure a credible process. It is important for the EC to recruit people who are highly educated and firm to ensure a clean process.''

On whether it was mature for her to announce her decision on national television, Dr. Aggrey Darko stated that, this is not the first time we are hearing a commissioner decide not to vote, as the immediate past chair Dr. Afari Gyan declined to vote.

''This is not a big deal. She has the right to express herself and we also have the right to interrogate it. The most important thing is to ensure that we have a clean process.''