By: Abigail Asiamah
A Consortium of Civil Society Organizations, CSOs in collaboration with key stakeholders, has unveiled a series of strategic initiatives aimed at increasing voter participation in the upcoming 2023 District-Level Elections.
These initiatives address challenges related to operations of District Assemblies, Assembly Members, the Electoral Commission, CSOs, citizens, and more.
The recommendations span short-term, medium, and long-term strategies to ensure a more inclusive and engaged electoral process.
Stakeholders from across Ghana gathered for a series of dialogues organized by LOGNet, CHALOG, PFM Network, and the Governance for Inclusive Development program.
These sessions, held in three cities between July and August 2023, aimed to prepare for the 2023 District-Level Elections slated for December 19, 2023.
The dialogues delved into critical aspects of DLE including legal frameworks, historical voter turnout trends, and women’s representation.
They also addressed the pivotal roles of the Electoral Commission (EC) and the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) in the upcoming elections, alongside strategies to augment citizen participation.
Participants identified various factors contributing to low voter turnout in DLE, spanning issues related to District Assemblies, Assembly Members, the EC, government, civil society organizations (CSOs), NCCE, the media, and citizens at large.
These proposals encompass a range of actions, from heightened public awareness campaigns led by the EC to targeted mentorship and support for underrepresented groups, including women and People with Disabilities (PWDs).
Additionally, calls were made for enhanced transparency and accountability mechanisms within District Assemblies and an augmentation of resources for voter education.
With this communiqué, the Consortium of Civil Society Organizations underscores the shared responsibility in fortifying the democratic fabric of Ghana, reinforcing the belief that an engaged citizenry is pivotal to the nation’s progress and prosperity.
