The Coalition of Domestic Election Observers (CODEO) has already
issued its Mid-Day Report which
stated that the setup and opening of polls generally went very
well, though some polling stations were late in opening due to
delays with the arrival of materials, with Greater Accra being the
most affected region.
As a result, CODEO in its mid-day
preliminary situation report concluded that the arrangements put in
place by the EC for setup and opening of polls were adequate for most polling
stations.”
This close of polls situational
statement (a preliminary report) is based on reports CODEO
has received from PVT Observers, Regional Coordinators (RCs) and
Constituency Supervisors (CSs). It focuses on the initial
information on the voting process as well as some critical
incidents received throughout the day.
Below are highlights of field reports received from over 85% of
PVT Observers from every region and constituency as of 7:00 pm
today (i.e. Election Day). The remaining 15% of polling stations
were either still open with people
in the queue at 5pm voting or polling stations where voting had
been suspended due to the problems encountered with the biometric
verification machine.
Critical Incidents
CODEO operated a critical incident hotline for observers,
constituency supervisors and regional coordinators throughout the
day. The observers sent in reports on all serious issues that arose
during the day. These reports were then verified by our Critical
Incident Team.
- A total of 79 critical incidents
reports were received at the opening
of polls and during voting across
the country. The largest number of incidents reported came from
Ashanti, Greater Accra and Northern Regions. The most frequently
reported critical incidents were the
suspension of voting, intimidation/harrassment, and violation of voting
procedures.
While these critical incidents reported by CODEO observers may
have impeded the rights of some
Ghanaians to vote, these did not fundamentally undermine the
credibility of the overall process.
Extension of Voting
The announcement by the Electoral Commission to extend voting
provides an opportunity for those who could not vote to exercise
their right to vote. That is essential to ensuring these critical
incidents do not undermine the integrity of the process.
Conclusion
CODEO has deployed about 4,500 trained, accredited, non-partisan
rapid response observers. Of this figure, 1,500 are Parallel Vote
Tabulation (PVT) Observers. CODEO will continue to observe the
counting and collation process and will deploy observers tomorrow
(Saturday) to those polling stations where voting has been
suspended.
CODEO appeals to all Ghanaians to remain calm and be law abiding as
voting is extended to a second day at some polling stations.
Signed:
Professor Miranda Greenstreet and Justice VCRAC Crabbe,
Joint Chairpersons
(For and on Behalf of the Advisory Board)
CODEO Secretariat, Friday, December 7, 2012
