The two political scientists call for speed and clarity in communication to bridge the digital divide in the country’s political space.
Apart from that, they also stressed the need for inclusiveness in various aspects of the conduct of elections. In separate interviews, Professor Seyidou Alidu, Head of the Department of Political Science at the University of Ghana, Legon, and Gilfred Asiamah, Team Leader of the Ghana Electoral Commission, both spoke about the need to ease political tensions ahead of the December 7, 2024 elections.
Suspicion
Professor Alidou said these would help dispel doubts and suspicions among stakeholders, ease political tensions and prevent the spread of misinformation in the digital space.
He said all stakeholders including security agencies, the Electoral Commission (EC) and political parties also needed to be accountable and transparent in all their dealings including staffing and procurement related matters.
He said whatever steps were taken should ensure stability and national development.
Stability
Prof. Alidou said political parties and other stakeholders must take the initiative to create an atmosphere of stability and avoid greed and unnecessary tensions. He explained that the core role of political parties is to drive development and therefore all stakeholders need to dialogue and seek to reach a consensus to address issues.
He said the elections were a competition to be elected into government, not a battle. “Peace in the country should be the priority. We have to look beyond elections, govern and bring development to our people,” he said.
Inclusivity
Meanwhile, Asiama said tensions could be addressed by providing more information and ensuring inclusiveness in various aspects of the election. “More efforts need to be made to create an atmosphere for effective and proper communication,” he said.
“The Election Commission must promptly share information and respond to the opposition’s concerns. The commission must stop making derogatory remarks against political parties,” he added. “It is fair to say that the opposition should focus on their concerns and reduce personal attacks on the Election Commission chairman.”