EC sets up Advisory Committee ahead of 2020 elections

The Electoral Commission has set up a 21-member eminent advisory committee ahead of the December 2020 general elections.

Members of the committee are expected to enhance engagement and interactions between the Commission and the Ghanaian society, and it is geared towards ensuring a free, fair and credible presidential and parliamentary elections.

The committee which comprises heads of religious groups and other respected persons in society is chaired by former CHRAJ boss, Emile Short with the former president of the Ghana Journalists Association Gifty Afenyi Dadzie as Deputy.

Chairperson of the Electoral Commission, Jean Mensa said the committee is to ensure Ghanaians directly experience the EC’s new approach in maintaining an open door that responds to citizens’ interest.

She tasked the committee members to offer feedback from the constituencies that they represent and speak up as well.

The EC Chairperson said the Commission is putting in place systems and structures to ensure credible elections, adding officials are determined to be fair, transparent and accessible to all.

Chairman of the Committee, Emile Short said the committee will conduct its activities with excellence.

“It wants to establish to all and sundry that it is an independent Commission and it wants to remove any perception that because of the appointment procedure in electing the Commissioners, it is not independent.

“I hope that by the establishment of this Committee this particular image that it seeks to establish to the society will be achieved.”

Former president, Jerry John Rawlings urged Ghanaians to take pride in the members, indicating the setting up of the committee is the best way to go.