Uganda’s Electoral Commissioner Commends Ghana’s Electoral Integrity

Anthony Okello, Uganda’s Electoral Commissioner, praised Ghana’s election processes during an interview. He highlighted the effectiveness of ballot validation and Biometric Verification Devices in ensuring credible elections. His remarks suggest that Ghana could serve as a model for other African nations aiming to improve their electoral integrity.

The Electoral Commissioner of Uganda, Mr. Anthony Okello, commended Ghana for its commitment to conducting credible, fair, and transparent elections. During an interview with GhanaWeb TV, held on December 7, 2024, he reflected on his observations as an election observer. Mr. Okello highlighted Ghana’s exemplary verification systems as critical in maintaining the integrity of the electoral process, potentially serving as a model for other nations in Africa.

He pointed out the methodical validation of all ballot papers before distribution to voters, asserting that such a procedure enhances the overall credibility of the electoral process. Mr. Okello stated, “You see one important aspect that I have picked is that all ballot papers are validated before they are given to voters and I think it enables whatever entries placed in the ballot box to be validated so, at the end of the day… this process brings credibility.”

Furthermore, he emphasized the efficacy of the Biometric Verification Devices (BVDs) in preventing unauthorized voting, reinforcing the integrity of the election. He mentioned, “Those who have not registered in that polling station cannot vote because you verify them using a code which is in the voters register… I think this is all very good and it is a talking machine and everybody can hear that person has been validated.”

Mr. Okello’s insights on Ghana’s electoral process illustrate the importance of advanced verification methods in safeguarding democracy and highlight the potential lessons for other countries striving to enhance their electoral systems.

The commentary provided by Mr. Anthony Okello, the Electoral Commissioner of Uganda, comes in the context of ongoing efforts to promote democratic processes across Africa. Elections in the region have historically faced challenges related to transparency and integrity. Ghana, recognized for its democratic advancements, has adopted various mechanisms to ensure error-free electoral procedures. These include robust verification systems, such as the validation of ballot papers and biometric voter registration, which are important innovations that other nations may emulate to bolster their electoral integrity.

In conclusion, Mr. Anthony Okello’s observations underscore the importance of rigorous verification processes in electoral systems. His praise for Ghana’s commitment to fair elections reflects a broader need for African nations to adopt similar measures to enhance credibility and public trust. By learning from successful models like Ghana’s, other countries can improve their electoral frameworks and promote effective democratic governance.

Original Source: www.ghanaweb.com