The Coalition of Domestic Election Observers (CODEO) held a High-Level Post-Elections Stakeholders Review Workshop to assess the conduct of Ghana' 2020 presidential and parliamentary elections. The workshop, which followed similar ones by CODEO in the past took place on April 26 to 28, 2021 at the Aqua Safari Resort in Ada in the Greater Accra Region. Participants at the workshop included leaders and representatives from key election-related institutions including the Electoral Commission of Ghana (EC), the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), the National Peace Council (NPC), the National Media Commission (NMC), the Ghana Police Service, the Judiciary, some political parties - i.e. the National Democratic Congress (NDC), the New Patriotic Party (NPP), the Convention People's Party (CPP) and the Peoples' National Convention (PNC)), representatives from the media, Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and academia. In the course of the three-day workshop, participants deliberated on the 2020 electoral process and shared critical perspectives on what worked well, what didn't work well and key recommendations for improving future conduct of elections.
In line with its commitment to help ensure free, fair and transparent elections, CODEO is set to launch preparatory activities for the 2020 election day observation.
Ahead of the presidential and parliamentary elections on December 7, 2020, the Coalition of Domestic Election Observers (CODEO), has trained and deployed 65 Long-Term Observers (LTOs) who will be observing the pre-election environment from September 1, 2020 to December 6, 2020. The observers, each of whom has been assigned to one of 65 selected constituencies from all 16 regions of the country, will be monitoring the constituency level pre-election activities of key election stakeholders including the Electoral Commission (EC), the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), the security agencies, political parties, traditional and religious leaders, Civil Society/Community-Based Organizations (CSOs/CBOs), and the media.
The Coalition of Domestic Election Observers (CODEO), has deployed a total of 100 observers for the up-coming 2020 Biometric Voter Registration Exercise (BVR) to be carried out by the Electoral Commission of Ghana (EC) from June 30 to August 6. The CODEO observers will be undertaking their observation duties in 100 randomly selected constituencies throughout the country. Ahead of their deployment, all the observers underwent a one-day training to enable them conduct themselves in a professional manner at all times during observation.
The Coalition of Domestic Election Observers (CODEO) is deeply concerned about the inability of key stakeholders to forge broad consensus over a credible way forward for the compilation of the voter register, having regard to the exceptional circumstances brought upon the nation by the COVID-19 pandemic and the extremely compressed electoral calendar. CODEO remains fully cognizant of the fact that the Electoral Commission (EC) has the fundamental responsibility to deliver credible elections in Ghana. CODEO affirms its longstanding commitment to support the Commission to achieve this crucial mandate, through an election management process that fosters inclusivity, national peace and mutual trust between the Commission and key election stakeholders.
The Coalition of Domestic Election Observers (CODEO) has followed the debates that have ensued following the Electoral Commission's (EC) decision to compile a new voters register ahead of the December 7, 2020 general elections. CODEO has diligently assembled and reviewed relevant and available information pertaining to the debate, including statements issued by political parties and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in support of or opposition to the EC's decision.
On Tuesday, December 17, 2019 the Electoral Commission of Ghana (EC) conducted District Level Elections and Unit Committee Elections nationwide. The Coalition of Domestic Election Observers (CODEO), in line with its objective of promoting transparent and credible electoral processes and outcomes, deployed a total of 1,100 Election Day Observers. The Observers comprised 800 Polling Station Observers and 300 roaming Observers. The 800 Polling Station Observers were deployed to a randomly selected national representative sample of polling stations from where they observed the entire Election Day processes from opening to close of polls. This Preliminary statement is based on analyses of reports received from 84% of the 800 Polling Stations Observers regarding the opening and voting processes as at 7pm on Election Day.
The Coalition of Domestic Election Observers (CODEO) has been observing the on-going District Level Elections and Unit Committee Elections being carried out by the Electoral Commission (EC). CODEO deployed 800 stationary Polling Station Observers and 300 roaming Observers, making a total of 1,100 Observers deployed nationwide. This midday situational statement is based on reports received from 98% of the 800 stationary Polling Station Observers. The following are highlights from CODEO's observation regarding the setting up and opening of polls nationwide, based on analyses of rapid reports received from Observers:
About six weeks ago, CODEO launched its activities aimed at supporting the 2019 District Level Elections and the then impending Referendum to decide whether political parties should be allowed to sponsor candidates to District Assemblies or Lower Local Government Units. Following an announcement by President Nana Akufo-Addo on December 1, 2019 which cancelled the Referendum, the Electoral Commission (EC) notified the public of the cancellation of the Referendum on December 9, 2019. So far, CODEO has carried out its two major interventions in support of the District Level Elections. As announced at the November 5 Press Launch at the AH Hotel, CODEO deployed 260
In line with its objectives of promoting electoral transparency, credible electoral outcomes and participatory electoral processes, and with the support from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), CODEO is carrying out two major interventions to support the December 17, 2019 District Level Elections and National Referendum. As in previous District Level Elections, CODEO will undertake civic/voter/peace education activities with the aim of boosting citizen's informed and peaceful participation in the upcoming electoral processes, and to promote public trust in electoral outcomes through enhanced election transparency.
The African Elections Observers Network (AfEONet) which is comprised of citizen observer groups in the East and Horn of Africa (E-HORN), West Africa Election Observation Network (WAEON) and the Electoral Support Network of Southern Africa (ESN-SA) has learnt with sadness the death of the head of Mozambique's local election observer mission, Anastacio Matavele, who was shot on Monday, 7 October 2019. Matavele was shot in Xai-Xai, the capital of the South Eastern Gaza Province. AfEONet condemns such an act, especially as Sala da Paz, a group that monitors election-related violence, has alleged that the three assailants are known members of the riot police unit.
Under the auspices of CODEO, CDD-Ghana, as the secretariat is implementing a civic education program to support public participation in the up-coming local government elections and the referendum on local government elections scheduled by the Electoral Commission of Ghana to take place on December 17, 2019. The Civic/Voter/Peace Education Coordinator will support implementation of an elaborate civic education program aimed at enhancing public awareness and participation in the electoral process.
Under the auspices of CODEO, CDD-Ghana, as the secretariat is implementing a civic education program to support public participation in the up-coming local government elections and the referendum on local government elections scheduled by the Electoral Commission of Ghana to take place on December 17, 2019. The Civic/Voter/Peace Education Coordinator will support implementation of an elaborate civic education program aimed at enhancing public awareness and participation in the electoral process.
The Coalition of Domestic Election Observers (CODEO) is urging all Ghanaian registered voters to take part in the on-going nationwide Electoral Commission (EC) organized Voters' Register Exhibition exercise. The exercise, which started on Tuesday, September 10, 2019 and will end on September 17, 2019, seeks to provide all registered voters (from 2012 to 2019) the opportunity to verify and authenticate their registration details, and to have any issues, such as missing names or incorrect personal details rectified. Registered voters can therefore check their registration details at their designated polling stations in their constituencies daily from 7AM to 6PM.
The Coalition of Domestic Election Observers (CODEO) observed the referendum on the creation of six additional regions as conducted by the Electoral Commission of Ghana (EC) on Thursday, December 27, 2018 . The EC conducted the referendum in parts of the then existing Brong-Ahafo, Northern, Volta and Western regions which were to be affected by the proposal (by government) to create six new regions. This report provides CODEO's consolidated final report on the conduct of the 2018 referendum.
The Coalition of Domestic Election Observers (CODEO) observed the referendum on the creation of six additional regions as conducted by the Electoral Commission of Ghana (EC) on Thursday, December 27, 2018 . The EC conducted the referendum in parts of the then existing Brong-Ahafo, Northern, Volta and Western regions which were to be affected by the proposal (by government) to create six new regions. This report provides CODEO's consolidated final report on the conduct of the 2018 referendum.
CODEO is pleased to share with the Electoral Commission, key election stakeholders and the general public its overall findings from its observation of the Ayawaso West Wuogon by-election. This final report includes observations made during the set-up and opening, voting, counting, results declaration and results collation processes in the course of the Election Day. The report also touches on the conduct of electoral actors on the Election Day and highlights some incidents observed by CODEO in the course of the election. Based on its findings, CODEO makes recommendations to key election stakeholders aimed at improving the conduct of future elections.
Ghana went to the polls on December 7, 2016 for the seventh consecutive time since returning to democratic rule in 1992. A President and Two-Hundred and Seventy-Five (275) Members of Parliament were to be elected in the election. Like previous elections in the country, the 2016 elections were set to be highly competitive. The ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC), the main opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) and their candidates were the front-runners in both the presidential and the parliamentary races. The incumbent President, Mr. John Mahama, led the camp of the ruling party as their presidential candidate while Nana Addo-Dankwa Akufo-Addo led the opposition NPP as their flag-bearer for the third consecutive time, after two unsuccessful attempts in 2008 and 2012.
On the evening of Thursday, January 31, 2019, the Coalition of Domestic Election Observers (CODEO), which had deployed observers for the Ayawaso West Wuogon Constituency by- election held on that date, released its Close-Of-Polls Statement. CODEO's Close-Of-Polls Statement typically provides a snapshot of what transpires on Election Day. Consistent with its practice, CODEO communicated its initial report of the election not only to the public, through traditional and new media channels, but also to the leadership of the Electoral Commission (EC) via e-mail.
The Coalition of Domestic Election Observers (CODEO) observed today's by-election in the Ayawaso West Wuogon Constituency in the Greater Accra Region. CODEO observers visited more than half of the polling stations in all the electoral areas across the constituency. The observers spent an average of two hours at each polling station and observed set up and voting processes.
The Coalition of Domestic Election Observers (CODEO) will be observing the Ayawaso West Wuogon Constituency by-election to be conducted by the Electoral Commission of Ghana on Thursday, January 31, 2019. CODEO is deploying a total of thirty (30) observers who will undertake roaming observation of randomly selected polling stations across the various electoral areas in the constituency. The observers will follow election-day processes such as the opening of polling stations, the availability of registration materials, and the functioning of biometric equipment. They will also observe the conduct of election officials and other stakeholders, as well as compliance to electoral rules. CODEO wishes to take the opportunity to remind all stakeholders, particularly political parties, the Electoral Commission and poll officials, voters and the general public, to strive to uphold the integrity of the polls. The Coalition will share its observation findings on the exercise with the public.
On Thursday, December 27, 2018, the Coalition of Domestic Election Observers (CODEO) deployed fifty (50) observers to various districts and constituencies in selected regions within which the referendum on the proposed creation of additional regions was taking place. CODEO observers visited an average of four (4) polling stations within their assigned districts in the course of the polling exercise. Observers spent between an hour and two hours at each polling station visited. Overall, the referendum took place in a calm and peaceful electoral environment. However, a number of electoral anomalies were recorded by CODEO Observers during the observation exercise. These anomalies raise serious questions about the integrity and credibility of the polling process in the observed polling stations.
The Coalition of Domestic Election Observers (CODEO) will observe the referendum on the creation of additional six (6) regions, which takes place tomorrow Thursday, December 27, 2018. CODEO is deploying a total of fifty (50) observers to the various districts across the country within which the referendum exercise will take place. This is in line with CODEO's objective of promoting electoral transparency, accountability and credibility towards peaceful outcomes. On the day of the referendum, CODEO observers will visit various polling stations within their assigned districts, paying attention to key electoral processes such as the setting-up and opening of polls, verification and voting processes, close-of-polls and counting processes, as well as results collation. Observers will also focus on the conduct of election officials and other stakeholders including, security personnel and voters.
In keeping with its objective of promoting electoral integrity in the country, the Coalition of Domestic Election Observers (CODEO) deployed five (5) observers to eight (8) districts in the regions where the exhibition exercise took place who observed the exercise for the entire duration of the exercise. The districts observed by CODEO included: Juaboso in the Western Region; Chereponi and Sawla-Tuna-Kalba in the Northern Region; Krachi West in the Volta Region; and Nkoranza North, Nkoranza South, Kintampo North and Kintampo South in the Brong Ahafo Region. CODEO observers visited a total of 31 exhibition centers within these eight (8) districts. This exercise follows CODEO's observation of the 2018 limited voter registration carried out by the EC from September 16-25, 2018.
The Coalition of Domestic Election Observers (CODEO) deployed its members to observe the limited registration exercise conducted by the Electoral Commission (EC) in preparation towards the creation of six (6) new regions proposed by the government. The exercise, which commenced on Sunday, September 16, 2018 and ends today, Tuesday, September 25, 2018, took place in all districts which would be located within the proposed regions. CODEO's roaming observers visited some registration centers in some selected districts including, the Nkoranza North and South districts in the Brong-Ahafo Region, Krachi West in the Volta Region, Juaboso district in the Western Region and the Sawla-Tuna and Chereponi districts in the Northern Region.
The Coalition of Domestic Election Observers (CODEO) has learnt, with deep sorrow, the passing of its Co-Chair, Justice V.C.R.A.C. Crabbe, whose death occurred this morning, September 7, 2018 after a short illness. CODEO expresses its deepest condolences to his family on this loss. Indeed, the entire people of Ghana have lost an illustrious son. Click on attached file for full statement.
The Coalition of the Domestic Election Observers (CODEO) congratulates the newly sworn-in Chairperson, Mrs. Jean Mensa; Deputy Chairpersons, Mr. Samuel Tettey and Dr. Bossman Eric Asare; and Member, Mrs. Adwoa Asuama Abrefa as members of the Electoral Commission of Ghana (EC). As they assume office, CODEO expects that the Commissioners will provide the needed leadership, guidance and direction for election administration in the country. CODEO hopes that the new leadership of the Commission will take concrete steps to ensure that indeed the Commission is dependable and accountable to the people of Ghana. The Commissioners must be fair and firm in their work, be team players, uphold integrity, be transparent and accountable in their dealings, and enhance public confidence in the Electoral Commission and its work. Click on attached file for full statement.
The Coalition of Domestic Election Observers (CODEO) has followed, with keen interest, public reaction following the announcement by the Office of the President on June 28, 2018 that the Electoral Commission (EC) Chairperson, Mrs Charlotte Osei, and her two deputies, Mr. Amadu Sulley and Mrs. Georgina Opoku Amankwah, had been removed from office. CODEO notes that the removal was based on the recommendations by the Committee established by the Chief Justice, pursuant to Articles 44(2), 44(3), and 146(4) of the Constitution, to investigate certain allegations contained in certain petitions submitted to the President in July 2017, asking for the removal from office of the Chairperson and two deputy Chairpersons of the EC. CODEO acknowledges that the President's action in removing the three officers of the Commission is in accordance with the process prescribed by Article 146 of the Constitution. In the interest of transparency and accountability, CODEO calls on the President and the Chief Justice to make available the full report of Chief Justice's Committee. Follow link below for full statement.
The Coalition of Domestic Election Observers (CODEO) is deeply dismayed by the outcome of the investigations and judicial proceedings involving thirteen members of the 'Delta Force', a vigilante group associated with the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP). The sentencing follows a case of the group's assault on the Ashanti Regional Security Coordinator, and the attendant destruction of public property that occurred at the Ashanti Regional Coordinating Council in March 2017. CODEO is concerned with the apparent weak quality of the official investigations into the case and the subsequent prosecution of the accused, which concluded with a sentence of a fine of GHC1, 800 for each or, in default, twelve months imprisonment. Follow link for more details.
The Coalition of Domestic Election Observers (CODEO) will wrap up its nationwide engagements on political party vigilantism on August 23, 2017.The Coalition has so far engaged stakeholders in nine regions of the country with the last engagement taking place in Greater Accra Region tomorrow. This series of public engagements are part of CODEO's post-2016 election activities, supported by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). The nationwide engagements are in recognition of the dangers that political party vigilante groups pose to the country's electoral politics and democratic development. The engagements took the form of round tables, focus group discussions and special briefings with the media. After the final round of engagements, CODEO will share its findings with the public and plan advocacy efforts on political party vigilantism in the country. The advocacy and other interventions will be used as an avenue to encourage and sustain discussions on the menacing effects of vigilante groups in Ghana political system.
CODEOs nationwide engagement on political party vigilantism will climaxed in Accra with the last engagement on Wednesday August 23, 2017. The team have so far been to nine regional capitals where very fruitful engagements and insights shared by our various stakeholders. CODEO have also released nine statements so far, capturing the concerns and solutions to combating this menace by our stakeholders. You can join the conversation on social media using #CODEOVigilante17. Click to download the concept note on this project.
REQUEST FOR AN INDEPENDENT EVALUATION CONSULTANT/EXPERT In the run-up to the 2016 presidential and general election of members of parliament, a coalition of civil society organizations implemented four sets of interventions as part of its contribution to credible and peaceful elections during the 2016 general elections. The interventions had the overall goal of contributing to an improved election administration in Ghana as well as credible and peaceful electoral outcomes. Towards this end, the project had these specific objectives: - Promote public awareness of, and support for electoral reforms - Improve transparency in the conduct of the elections through citizens' observation - Enhance integrity of the election and the credibility of the election results - Provide scientific means to objectively verify the accuracy of the presidential results announced by the Electoral Commission. The project is currently in its final phase hence the need to engage an evaluator with extensive experience in evaluating Democracy, Rights and Governance (DRG) projects. 1. Scope of Work for External Evaluator The external evaluator will be expected to conduct both internal and external evaluation of the Coalition's Interventions for a period of one (1) to two (2) months. 2. Expertise Required - An evaluation consultant(s) must have a minimum of five years' experience in program/project evaluation in the international development context - Must have exhibited both quantitative and qualitative evaluation skills in previous evaluations - Experience in the field of evaluating Democracy, Right and Governance (DRG) interventions particularly projects funded by USAID will be an added advantage 3. Selection Criteria The evaluation managers will review all Expressions of Interest (EOI) submitted, based on the following considerations: a) Technical experience in evaluating Democracy, Rights and Governance (DRG) Projects b) Timeframe and Methodology c) Financial proposal All interested applicants should request for the full TOR via the email [email protected] not later than Friday, August 11, 2017. Click link to download the document.
CODEO today, climaxed its ninth regional engagement in the nation wide confab on political party vigilantism in the Brong-Ahafo region with a formal statement via a press conference. The presser allowed CODEO to relay the reflections of various stakeholders (The Security, the clergy, traditional leaders, political parties, the media, the regional peace council, the regional bar association) in the region on this national security threat. Addressing the presser, CODEOs Ambassador Francis Tsegah restated CODEOs stance on political vigilantism, that "The existence of political vigilante groups is illegal and the Government should ban these groups immediately as a matter of national security". CODEOs Advisory Board member Mr. Nicholaus Akyire after highlighting manifestations of political vigilantism in the Brong-Ahafo region presented the solutions by stakeholders to curb this menace. He pointed out that " The intelligence unit of the Security Services in the region should map out vigilante activities and develop specific strategies to deal with them, Political parties should develop more rules and regulations to govern the activities of their youth groups and Stakeholders particularly the media should name and shame politicians who form, fund and solicit for the services of vigilante groups. Click the link to read more.
CODEOs nationwide Round Table Discussions on the menace of political party vigilantism made a stop in the Ashanti regional capital of Kumasi. After deliberations with stakeholders, a press confab was held to tease out the issues as expressed. Our stakeholders at the Kumasi confab suggested that 1. The independence of the IGP should be safeguarded through appointment to the office by an independent body and security of tenure for the office holder ensured. 2. The Electoral Commission (EC) is entreated to display professionalism in all aspects of its work and strive to ensure that adequate and quality training is provided for their staff including the temporary staff. 3. Political party leaders should desist from making unachievable promises to their followers. There is more in the full statement, click link to read or download.
The Central regional capital of the Cape Coast took its turn to host the CODEO nationwide round table on the menace of political party vigilantism. After fruitful deliberations with our stakeholders at the Ridge Royal Hotel, a formal statement was released via a press confab today. On solutions to curbing this menace, our stakeholders noted that: 1. There should be security of tenure for the Inspector General of Police (IGP) and all heads of other security agencies. 2. Politicians should make realistic campaign promises to manage the high expectations of their grassroots supporters and finally as expressed in previous regional round table discussions, the Electoral Commission (EC) is enjoined to be more transparent, professional and independent in the conduct of its activities. The EC should open up to more consultation on critical electoral issues to avoid suspicion from stakeholders. Read more in the full statement released today.
CODEO's nationwide train on the menace of political vigilantism hit the Western Region of Ghana. The oil city of Takoradi hosted CODEOs sixth press confab on Wenesday July 26, 2017 to relay the reflections of from as cross-section of stakeholders in the region. The statement which was presented to the media at the Grand Favor Hotel, Takoradi highlight some of the following recommendations 1. Public education and sensitization on civic values and patriotism should be re-introduced and given prominence in schools. 2. Political parties should as a matter of urgency put measures in place to regulate the conduct and activities of youth groups. 3.All criminal offenses should be separated from electoral offenses and prosecuted by the Police. Click the link to access the full statement released today.
CODEO's nationwide train on the menace of political vigilantism made a stop in the Upper West regional capital of Wa. After engaging with stakeholders in four other regions, the CODEO team held the fifth confab on Monday July 17, 2017 at the Nuoyong Empire Hotel in Wa. A statement was released at a press conference to relay the reflections of the stakeholders. Some of the solutions proffered includes: 1. Security Services particularly the Police are entreated to show professionalism in their conduct and maintain political neutrality in the discharge of their duties. 2. Religious dialogue (at the inter-faith and intra-faith levels) needs to be considered seriously as one of the means of curbing political party vigilantism 3. Government should create more job avenues to absorb the unemployed youth. There is more in the statement below.
CODEOs nationwide round table discussion on the menace of political vigilantism hit the Upper East Region of Ghana. At the end of the stakeholder engagement, some suggestions were made on combating this menace. Stakeholders noted that: - Security agencies should be well resourced to be able to deal with the complexities of the vigilante groups. -Again, as in other regions, participants canvassed strongly for the position of the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to have security of tenure. -The Police Council should work to standardize the recruitment, promotion and transfer of police personnel in order to boost their confidence and be able to discharge their duties professionally against political manipulations. Read more in the statement.
Today, CODEO held a press confab to relay the observations of the stakeholders discussion on political vigilantism held in Tamale on July 11, 2017. Stakeholders proposed the organization of a National Security Summit to deliberate, and develop actionable plans to tackle identified threats to the state's security including tackling party vigilantism. Other solutions submitted included: ' The establishment of an independent body to appoint heads of security agencies and all heads of security agencies must be given security of tenure. 'Decoupling the Ministry of Justice from the Attorney General's Department. 'Adequately resourcing the Police Service to be able to combat criminal activities by these vigilante groups. 'Naming and shaming political party leaders who support and patronize the services of vigilante groups. Read more in the full statement
At its post-election national stakeholder workshop, held at Aqua Safari Resort in Ada in the Greater Accra region from March 27-29, 2017, the Coalition of Domestic Election Observers (CODEO) made this subject of political vigilantism one of the pressing post-election issues for discussion and deliberation. This was in recognition of the danger that political party vigilante groups pose to the country's electoral politics and democratic development. CODEO held a press conference on the menace of political party vigilantism in Ghana after a Round Table Discussion in Ho. This forms part of the nation wide campaign on the issue. Stakeholders among others confirmed that there is a low incidence of political party vigilante activities in the volta region. However, there is evidence that one or two standing groups emerged during the 2016 elections in the border regions. Read more in the full statement released.
In the first of the nation wide Round Table Discussions on the menace of political vigilantism held on June 23, 2017 in Koforidua, CODEO stakeholders made some suggestions in combating this threat. CODEO calls on all stakeholders, including the political parties, security agencies, and the public at large to, as a matter of urgency, address this growing canker. CODEO calls on all Ghanaians to work together to support this crusade against political party vigilantism in our electoral politics. CODEO further calls on the media to make this subject critical for public discussion. Read more in the full statement.
The Coalition of Domestic Election Observers (CODEO) will begin a nationwide engagement on the phenomenon of political party vigilantism today Friday, June 23, 2017. The nationwide engagement is in recognition of the dangers that political party vigilante groups pose to the country's electoral politics and democratic development. The engagements, to be held in all ten regional capitals, will take the form of round table discussions, focus group discussion, and special briefings with the media. It will bring together all relevant stakeholders, particularly the security agencies, political parties, peace promotion institutions, and civil society, among others, to address this growing menace in the country's democracy. The engagements will be used as an avenue to stimulate and sustain discussions on the menacing effects of vigilante group activities in the politics of Ghana
The Coalition of Domestic Election observers (CODEO), with support from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), held a lessons-learned workshop from March 27 to 29, 2017 at the Aqua Safari Resort in Ada in the Greater Accra Region to assess the conduct of the 2016 Presidential and Parliamentary Elections. The workshop brought together a diverse group of election stakeholders to a single platform to take stock of the conduct of the 2016 Presidential and General elections and draw valuable lessons for improving the conduct of future elections. The participants at the end of the three-day workshop, identified accomplishments and positive lessons learned from Election 2016 that must be applied to future elections, pointed out gaps/concerns in the electoral process and made recommendations covering the voter register, enforcing electoral laws, civic/voter education, politically affiliated vigilante groups, election results coalition, transmission, announcement and declaration, elections and campaign financing.
As part of its comprehensive observation and interventions to promote credible and peaceful elections, the Coalition of Domestic Election Observers (CODEO), with support from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), is organizing a three-day workshop to assess the conduct of the 2016 Presidential and General elections. The workshop, which will bring together diverse election stakeholders to brainstorm on the 2016 electoral process, will also serve as the platform to take stock of valuable lessons from the conduct of the elections to help inform and improve the conduct of future elections. The workshop is slated for March 27-29, 2017.
As was communicated to the nation in the pre-election statement on Tuesday, December 6, 2016, the Coalition of Domestic Election Observers (CODEO) employed the Parallel Vote Tabulation (PVT) methodology to observe the 2016 presidential and parliamentary elections, just as it did in 2008 and 2012. CODEO employed the PVT to independently verify the accuracy of the presidential election results as declared by the Electoral Commission (EC). As of midnight on Election Day, Wednesday December 7, 2016, CODEO was in the position to verify if the presidential results reflected the ballots cast at polling stations. The statement presents further details of the PVT and the results from using this methodology.
This mid-day situational statement (a preliminary report) is based on reports CODEO has received from 1,486 out of the 1,500 PVT Observers (i.e. 99%) from every region and constituency as of 12:00PM today (i.e. Election Day). The Coalition of Domestic Election Observers (CODEO) has deployed about 8,000 trained, accredited, non-partisan observers. These observers are Ghanaians, from every walk of life who have volunteered their time to help ensure that every registered voter cast his/her ballot freely and unhindered on Election Day. Of the 8000 observers, 1,500 are Parallel Vote Tabulation (PVT) Rapid Response Observers (RROs). The report focuses on the set up and opening of polling stations as well as few incidences recorded as at the time of reporting.
The Coalition of Domestic Election Observers (CODEO) is pleased to release its close of polls situational statement for today, December 7, 2016. This close of polls situational statement (a preliminary report) is based on reports CODEO has received from its Stationary and Roaming Observers as at 5:30PM. It is based on the initial information on the voting process. CODEO is able to make preliminary comments on the voting process on only those polling stations that had completed voting by 5PM. Once voting is completed at all polling stations, a comprehensive statement will be made on Thursday December 8, 2016. Observers reports received from 86% of polling stations indicate that 55% had no major problems during voting; 44% reported minor problems, and 1% reported major problems during voting.
The Coalition of Domestic Election Observers (CODEO) has expressed optimism in the ability of Ghanaians to go to the polls peacefully and use tomorrow's elections as another opportunity to consolidate the country's democratic and electoral gains. Prof. Greenstreet reiterated that 'the December 2016 Polls offer Ghanaians another opportunity to rise above these challenges and prove to ourselves and the global community that we are determined to stay on the democratic path and deepen the development of our democracy. We must use this opportunity to elect our leaders and representatives to demonstrate our willingness to participate fully in the democratic process, and, above all, our commitment to accountable governance'.
The Coalition of Domestic Election Observers (CODEO) is pleased to release preliminary findings on the Electoral Commission's (ECs) conduct of the special voting exercise across the constituencies on December 1 2016. The findings presented in this statement are based on field reports submitted by CODEO's Observers deployed in all 275 constituencies in the country. CODEO's observers used a checklist, to observe the preparations, voting processes, and electoral incidents among others.
As part of its preparatory activities towards contributing to a generally peaceful and credible election in the upcoming December 7 polls, the Coalition of Domestic Election Observers (CODEO) is organizing training workshops for its Constituency Supervisors from October 25 to November 8, 2016. The training workshops, taking place in all regional capitals, mark the second phase of CODEO's preparations to recruit, train and deploy over 7,000 of its members who will volunteer their services as observers on Election Day.
The NCCE-. CODEO and CDD-Ghana wish to express our sincere apology to parliamentary candidates, Gbawe Mantse. opinion leaders, the citizens of Gbawe/Weija constituency and our media partners for the unfortunate incident that occurred on Saturday, 22ndd October 2016 in relation to our joint mounting of a parliamentary candidate debate platform in Gbawe/Weija Constituency the Greater Accra region.
The Coalition of Coalition of Domestic Election Observers (CODEO) is holding a three-day National Training of Trainers (ToT) workshop for its Regional Coordinators for the 2016 General Elections in Accra. This, according to co-chair of CODEO, Prof. Miranda Greenstreet, 'marks the first stage of CODEO's preparations to recruit, train and deploy over 7,000 of its members who will volunteer their services to observe the December 7 Presidential and Parliamentary elections'
As part of preparations to observe the 2016 Presidential and Parliamentary elections, the Coalition of Domestic Election Observers (CODEO) invites sealed tenders from eligible suppliers for the supply of the following items:
In line with its objective of promoting credible and peaceful elections, the Coalition of Domestic Election Observers (CODEO) has launched a comprehensive four interrelated activities to support the upcoming presidential and parliamentary polls. At a launch ceremony in Accra, CODEO's project on the theme 'Civil Society Advocacy and Support for Credible 2016 Elections - A CODEO Project', as announced by its co-chairs Prof. Miranda Greenstreet and Prof. Justice V.C.R.A.C Crabbe, includes tracking and advocacy on the implementation of the accepted Electoral Reforms as announced by the Electoral Commission, domestic election observation, implementation of a Parallel Vote Tabulation (PVT) and the promotion of Civic and Voter Education at District Levels.
The Coalition of Domestic Election Observers (CODEO) has received funding from USAID towards the implementation of 'Civil Society Advocacy and Support for Credible 2016 Elections - A CODEO Project' and intends to apply part of the proceeds to fund eligible payments in respect of the following lots.
The Coalition of Domestic Election Observers (CODEO) will observe the exhibition of the provisional voters' register exercise to be conducted by the Electoral Commission (EC) of Ghana from Monday 18th July, 2016 to Sunday 7th August, 2016. CODEO, which will deploy a total of 275 of its observers, will observe the entire process of the exhibition exercise, including the setting up of the exhibition centers, opening of the centers, availability of materials, the functioning of equipment of the Biometric Verification Device (BVD), compliance with exhibition procedures, conduct of authorized officials and party agents.
Ghana's only Nobel Peace Prize laureate and Chairman of the Kofi Annan Foundation, H.E. Kofi Annan is billed to speak on "Credible and Peaceful Elections: A Prerequisite for Africa's Progress" at this year's 'Kronti Ne Akwamu' lecture, the flagship annual democracy and governance event of the Ghana Center for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana).
Last week, the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), John Kudalor, declared that the Ghana Police Service (GPS) was considering a ban on access to social media platforms during the 2016 general elections. This intent, according to the IGP, is part of the Police Administration's plans to ensure peace during the election period. The Ghana Center for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana) joins others in registering our strong and unqualified opposition to any such move.
The Coalition of Domestic Election Observers (CODEO) implemented a project in support of the 2015 District Level Elections (DLE) under the theme: 'Enhancing Citizen Participation in the 2015 Local Government Elections: Deepening Ghana's Decentralization Process'. The project sought to increase the participation of citizens, particularly marginalized groups including women, youth and Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in local government elections. Click on attached file to download CODEO's full report
