Uganda’s Electoral Commissioner Praises Ghana’s Robust Election Processes
Anthony Okello, Uganda’s Electoral Commissioner, commended Ghana’s electoral process during a December 2024 interview, noting the effectiveness of their verification systems. He praised the validation of ballot papers and the use of Biometric Verification Devices, which prevent unauthorized voting and enhance election integrity, serving as a model for other African nations.
Anthony Okello, the Electoral Commissioner for Uganda, publicly praised Ghana’s electoral system, emphasizing the importance of credibility, fairness, and transparency during his observation of the elections. In a recent interview with GhanaWeb TV on December 7, 2024, Mr. Okello highlighted the effectiveness of Ghana’s verification mechanisms, specifically the robust systems in place for validating ballot papers and utilizing Biometric Verification Devices (BVDs). These measures, he asserted, not only protect the integrity of the electoral process but also set a benchmark for other nations in Africa to emulate.
Mr. Okello expressed his gratitude towards the Ghanaian populace for their progressive approach to voting, noting, “I have been here since the opening of polls, and I want to thank the people of Ghana for their approach they are using. I learned a lot of interesting facts with my team.” He praised the validation process of ballot papers prior to distribution, which serves to enhance the credibility of the election by ensuring that only legitimate votes are counted.
Moreover, he pointed out that the BVDs serve a crucial role in preventing unauthorized voting, stating, “Those who have not registered in that polling station cannot vote because you verify them using a code which is in the voters register.” This method, he argued, not only strengthens the electoral process but also instills confidence among voters regarding the integrity of their democratic practice.
Mr. Okello’s observations underline the significance of technological integration in electoral processes as a means of fostering trust and accountability. He concluded by affirming the value of using advanced verification methods to ensure that elections are conducted fairly and transparently, establishing Ghana as a model for other African democracies seeking to reform their electoral procedures.
The integrity of electoral processes is paramount for the sustenance of democracy, particularly in emerging markets. Various African countries have endeavored to implement electoral reforms aimed at enhancing transparency and trust in elections. Ghana has garnered attention for its use of advanced verification technologies, which have been endorsed by international observers. The observations made by Uganda’s Electoral Commissioner during the 2024 elections highlight Ghana’s successful methodologies in establishing a credible electoral framework, while providing a blueprint for other nations. Ghana’s Biometric Verification Devices and the validation of ballot papers are key innovations that reduce fraudulent practices, thereby reinforcing public confidence in the electoral outcome. As such, Mr. Okello’s insights offer important implications for the future of electoral reforms across the continent.
In summary, the observations made by Anthony Okello, Uganda’s Electoral Commissioner, regarding Ghana’s electoral process underscore the effectiveness of the country’s verification systems in promoting fair and credible elections. By implementing robust technology such as Biometric Verification Devices and ensuring the validation of ballot papers, Ghana has set a precedent for other African nations. His commendations reflect an acknowledgment of the progress made in protecting the integrity of elections, which is essential for strengthening democracy in the region. As electoral challenges persist across many countries, adopting such practices may be vital for fostering greater public trust and sustaining democratic principles.
Original Source: www.ghanaweb.com
