The Electoral Commission (EC) of Ghana has announced plans to broadcast the upcoming Inter-Party Advisory Committee (IPAC) meeting live on Tuesday, October 1.
This unprecedented decision is part of the EC’s efforts to promote transparency and accountability in its engagements with political parties ahead of the December general elections.
According to information gathered from the EC, the live telecast is aimed at providing Ghanaians with firsthand insight into the discussions and decision-making processes within the IPAC meetings.
The Commission stressed that this move was made independently and not in response to any external demands, particularly those from the National Democratic Congress (NDC).
According to the EC, the IPAC meeting will be about the processes that will educate the public about the register and the electoral process.
The NDC, Ghana’s largest opposition party, had previously called for the live broadcast of IPAC meetings, citing concerns over the need for greater openness in election-related deliberations. However, the EC had earlier rejected the NDC’s request, stating that live broadcasts were not necessary at the time.
In a recent development, the EC appears to have shifted its stance, emphasising that the live telecast is intended to foster confidence in the electoral process and not a direct result of the NDC’s pressure.
The IPAC meeting, which brings together representatives from all registered political parties and the EC, is an important platform for discussing electoral reforms, operational challenges, and strategies for ensuring credible elections.
Given the approaching 2024 general elections, the upcoming session is expected to cover crucial topics such as voter registration, election logistics, and the integrity of the electoral roll.
The NDC, which had previously criticised the EC’s reluctance to broadcast IPAC meetings, has welcomed the decision. In a statement, the party indicated that the live telecast would allow Ghanaians to observe the proceedings and assess the fairness of the process for themselves.
