Executive Director Foundation for Security and Development in Africa (FOSDA), Theodora Williams Anti says security in the country before, during and after the election remains an issue requiring more deliberations and commitments by key stakeholders.
Speaking during a roundtable discussion on National Election Security organized by her outfit in partnership with the Centre for Democratic Development (CDD) Ghana, the Executive Director said doubts about security by the state in election season give politicians recourse to resort to vigilantism for reliable protection.
She explained that the goal of the meeting was to deliberate on how best the Election Security Taskforce led by the police could work effectively during this high-stakes period.
“So the intent is to make a lot of difference in that they (security agencies) are doing so much. You heard them talk about the things they are doing. You the military explained their role to minimize the fears of their role. People think they take front roles and during the counting, they are there shooting people but now they have made us aware that no, they take backstage. They don’t play a front role in security” during the elections.
“There are issues about the military or the role of the military providing security for other political parties, for minority political parties. There are worries about importing para-security agencies or para-security by some political parties, there are big worries about that.
“So this is just to have a frank discussion on preparations of the election security task force, their task, what they are supposed to do, what they are not supposed to do, who they are, their resources, security resources, are they enough to cover all political parties and everybody is comfortable so that we don’t have to import security into the country,” she underscored.
Mrs. Anti added that it was important for political stakeholders including the public to have confidence in the election security arrangement as it would make voters feel comfortable to come out and vote on Election Day.
She said her outfit was in the process of engaging citizens to sensitize them on how the security agencies were preparing for the polls.
When the public is aware, she was convinced “people will feel safer”.
Source: Ghana/Starrfm.com.gh/103.5FM
