The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, has raised serious concerns about the potential chaos the country may experience during the December 2024 elections, emphasising the urgent need for collective action to ensure a free, fair, and peaceful electoral process.
In his opening remarks as parliament resumed from recess on June 11, Speaker Bagbin highlighted the alarming signs of unrest and violence that have marred the voter registration process.
“Our citizens deserve better and we all must collectively uphold their rights and safeguard their freedoms,” he asserted.
Bagbin announced his initiative to engage key stakeholders, including the Chairperson of the Electoral Commission, the National Media Commission, CHRAJ, and the NCCE, in discussions aimed at fostering a conducive environment for credible elections.
“I have therefore thought it wise to initiate an engagement of this house led by myself with the chairperson of the Electoral Commission, the National Media Commission, CHRAJ, and NCCE to discuss how Parliament could collaborate and work with them to create the right environment for free, fair, peaceful, and credible elections,” he said.
He expressed confidence that such collaboration would inspire voter confidence and faith in democratic institutions.
“This, I believe, will inspire confidence of voters and faith in our democratic institutions. We include the president, council of state, national security, flagbearers, and the security service, particularly the police,” he added.
Alban Bagbin strongly opposed the presence of military personnel at polling stations, stressing that their involvement should be limited to emergencies.
“We don’t want to see the military during elections. When there is a need to call them, they will be called, but they should not be at the polling or voting centres.”
He painted a grim picture of the current situation, noting the prevalence of weapons during voter registration.
“The signs and signals happening in the country are not that of assurance and hope. I shudder when I am told that people who are going to write their names carry knives, guns just to go and write. What about when we are going to vote and at the end of it all the results are announced and somebody else has carried the day and not the other? I shudder to picture what will happen.”
The Speaker also highlighted the broader issues of joblessness, homelessness, and hopelessness among the youth, calling for immediate action.
“Aside from that, the joblessness, homelessness, hopelessness of the youth cannot be taken lightly. We must act together and now to prevent a journey to calamity or a journey of no return.”
NAY/ ADG
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