Ugandan Electoral Commissioner Commends Ghana’s Election Integrity Strategies

Ugandan Electoral Commissioner Anthony Okello praised Ghana for its credible electoral processes during an interview on December 7, 2024. He highlighted the importance of validating ballot papers and using Biometric Verification Devices to prevent unauthorized voting, positioning Ghana as a model for other African nations.

In a recent interview on GhanaWeb TV, Ugandan Electoral Commissioner Anthony Okello commended Ghana’s electoral framework for its commitment to facilitating fair and transparent elections. Mr. Okello, observing the electoral process as an international observer, highlighted the rigorous verification mechanisms that Ghana employs, which effectively safeguard the integrity of its elections and serve as a model for other African nations to emulate.

Mr. Okello expressed appreciation for the validation process of ballot papers prior to their issuance to voters, emphasizing its role in ensuring the credibility of the ballots cast. He noted, “You see one important aspect that I have picked is that all ballot papers are validated before they are given to voters and I think it enables whatever entries placed in the ballot box to be validated so, at the end of the day if you find a strange ballot paper that is not validated then I think this process brings credibility.”

Furthermore, Mr. Okello pointed out the effectiveness of the Biometric Verification Devices (BVDs) in preventing unauthorized individuals from participating in the electoral process. He remarked, “I think this is good, because you are relying on the machine for verification, and you want to ensure credibility, and you will not have strangers. Those who have not registered in that polling station cannot vote because you verify them using a code which is in the voters register.”

These insights provided valuable observations on the importance of technological advancements in electoral processes and their significant contribution to maintaining the integrity of democratic elections.

Ghana’s electoral system has been recognized for its systematic verification processes aiming to promote transparency and trust in democracy. The contribution of technology through devices such as Biometric Verification Devices has revolutionized how voter identification and voting integrity are approached. Other African countries are increasingly observing Ghana’s practices in hopes of adopting similar frameworks to improve their electoral processes, reflecting a broader commitment to democratic values across the continent.

In summary, the praise from Ugandan Electoral Commissioner Anthony Okello underscores the effectiveness of Ghana’s election verification systems, which not only enhances transparency but also sets a precedent for other nations. His observations regarding the validation of ballot papers and the utilization of biometric technology reflect a strong endorsement of these methods. As countries strive for credible elections, Ghana’s approach could serve as an exemplary model for fostering integrity in the democratic process.

Original Source: www.ghanaweb.com