Resolving electoral disputes

 According to her, the Judiciary would be guided in that regard by the revised version of the manual on Election Adjudication in Ghana which was first published in 2008.

We need to remind ourselves that irregularities are unavoidable in any major electoral contest but the process involved in the resolution of the disagreements is what can make or break the system.

Some people would prefer to use the path of violence to seek redress if they do not have confidence in the adjudication process.

The Daily Graphic recalls how, in some years gone by, some Ghanaians preferred taking the law into their own hands, after they had arrested criminals, by lynching them or assaulting them before handing them over to the police. Fortunately, the situation has changed.

We expect the Judiciary to restore the confidence of litigants in the system through the resolution of electoral disputes when they arise after the December 7 polls. Fortunately, the Chief Justice announced that 30 courts had been earmarked in Accra alone to deal swiftly with any electoral disputes.

The Daily Graphic urges all the contestants in the December 7 polls to choose the path of dialogue and legal adjudication, instead of violence, to promote peace. We must recognise that ensuring peace, security and stability is a shared responsibility.

We call on the political parties and the candidates contesting the polls to be abreast of the procedures in seeking adjudication to electoral issues. We cannot afford to create confusion by using inappropriate steps to seek redress at the wrong places and expect that the courts will rule in our favour.

We are encouraged by the assurance by the Chief Justice that “the Judiciary shall decide matters before it impartially, on the basis of facts and in accordance with the law, without any restrictions, improper influences, inducement, pressure, threats or interference, direct or indirect, from any quarter or for any reason”.

Well said, Your Ladyship, but the people are watching and will demand accountability in due course.