A delegation from the Coalition of Domestic Election Observers (CODEO) has paid a courtesy call on the leadership of the Electoral Commission (EC) to forge partnership with them.
Sheikh Aremeyaw Shaibu, Acting Co-Chairman of CODEO, speaking at the brief meeting, said the EC's position and mandate was critical to the democratic sustenance of the country and assured the EC of the Coalition's support towards implementing its constitutional responsibility.
He explained that CODEO's contributions seek to compliment the efforts the EC, adding, "We will not act in any way to antagonize the efforts of the Commission".
He stated that they have deployed 260 Civic Voter and Peace Educators as well as 1000 Observers as well as a mass media campaign for the upcoming District Level Elections and Referendum to compliment the EC's efforts at making the elections successful.
Mrs Jean Mensa, the Chairperson of the Electoral Commission, said the Commission was running an open door policy and was ready to foster friendship with stakeholders towards its goals of organizing a credible, free, and transparent elections.
On the issue of protecting the integrity of the ballot, she stated that although Elections were won and lost at polling stations, it was the responsibility of the Commission to put effective measures in place to ensure that the polls were free, fair and transparent.
She said the EC was in the process of preparing a code of conduct with sanctions for members of staff as a measure to enhance operational performance.
Mrs Jean Mensa stated that the Commission was in the process of embarking on intensive publicity for the District Level Elections and Referendum and called on all stakeholders to play their roles effectively to make the exercise successful.
The 12 member CODEO delegation included of Mr Albert Arhin, National Coordinator, Mrs. Elizabeth Villars, CODEO Advisory Board Member, Reverend Dr Fred Deegbe, Ambassador Tsegah, Mrs Felicia Annof, Mr Alexander Bankole, Mr Nickolas Akyire, all Advisory Board Members among others.
Present at the meeting were Mr Samuel Tettey and Dr Bossman Eric Asare, both Deputy Chairman of the Electoral Commission.