Mustapha Gbande, the Deputy General Secretary of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has cautioned the Electoral Commission (EC) to stop prioritizing public relations over substantive preparations for the 2024 general elections.
In an interview with Kojo Marfo on AbusuaNkommo at Abusuafm, Gbande emphasized that the EC’s work goes beyond public relations and that the commission’s performance will be judged on its actions, not words.
His concerns follow recent assertions of EC Chair Jean Mensah who has asked political parties to be ready to accept the outcomes of December’s election insisting the Commission will be a transparent referee.
“We commit to ensuring transparency in all aspects of our work. We will commit to maintaining and showing that at all levels of transparency across all aspects of our work,” the EC boss stressed.
Speaking on Wednesday, July 17, during the presentation of the democracy trophy by the leadership of parliament, she stated, “So, we also want to entreat and call upon the contestants of the election to accept the outcomes of the election. Surely there will be a winner and surely there will be losers.”
But responding to these comments, Mustapha Gbande retorted, “the work of the Electoral Commission is not a PR gimmick or something we do make-up about. It is your handiwork that will speak for you.
“We in the NDC won’t go to sleep because the EC has spoken. The work of the Commission goes beyond public relations,” she stressed.
Gbande questioned the EC’s readiness to conduct a credible election, citing the Commission’s history of technical issues and alleged bias.
He disclosed that the National Democratic Congress was still concerned about potential technical issues ahead of the 2024 election, warning that the country could be thrown into chaos at polling stations in the event of machine breakdowns.
“Are you not scared, are you not worried that a woman who should be working and giving Ghanaians assurance that we will vote in 2024 without network problems is instead talking about accepting results?”, he fumed
He also cast doubt on the credibility of the EC Chairperson Jean Mensah, suggesting that her record was questionable and that her statements often spark concern among journalists and political parties.
He argued, “Jean Mensah’s record is in doubt. Anytime she speaks, every journalist is concerned and wants to know what political parties will say.”
“If you, the media, assess the work of the Electoral Commission, are you satisfied? he quizzed.
Mustapha Gbande’s comments highlight the ongoing tensions between the NDC and the EC, with the party demanding assurances about the integrity of the electoral process.
Source: Ghana/Starrfm.com.gh/103.5FM/Kwadwo Owusu
