Election 2024 : UNDP Partners with CSOs to Dialogue on Outcomes of Kenyan and Nigerian elections
UNDP has partnered with Civil Societies, CDD, CODEO, among others to dialogue on the outcomes of the Kenyan 2022 and Nigerian 2023 elections, lessons for Ghana going forward to 2024 elections.
Delivering his address during a round table discussion on the Kenyan 2022 and Nigerian 2023 elections; lessons for Ghana, Mr. Edward Ampratwum, governance specialist, UNDP, election is not an event but a cycle of various activities before and after the event of the voting. Hence, sustaining the conversations before, during and after an election remains critical to preserving the democratic stability of any country.
“It is thus, important that civil society, the Electoral Commission, political parties, media, private sector and development partners,
particularly, those with interest in elections and the wider governance processes continue to engage to provide the needed reforms and best practices to strengthen Ghana’s democratic credentials” he added.
He noted that elections is one of the major triggers of violence in the world, we have seen democratic reversals and and unconditional changes in government on the continent more recently due to contestation around elections and political transition.
Mr. Edward Ampratwum stated that the UNDP in partnership with AU are discussing and designing interventions to address unconstitutional changes in Africa.
“Thus, this meeting which provides a platform for taking stock and learning lessons others, as we do today, are ways by which we can together improve elections outcomes and political environment in Ghana and continue to be the shinning star and beacon of democracy in the sub-Saharan Africa region” he noted.
Mr. Apratwum said while recognising the significant progress and good track record on
elections Ghana has made over the years, we must recognize that evolving tensions, misunderstandings, and pockets of violence have marred recent elections. Therefore it is time to change this negative trajectory and uphold Ghana's good example to the world.
“I therefore wish to call on everyone to commit to dialogue, building consensus and peaceful means of resolving differences and
misunderstanding, as this platform aims to create a safe space to engage and create the future we want together” he stated.
He revealed that at UNDP, this is one of
the central planks of their new country program document 2023-2027 to
strengthen Democratic institutions and processes by supporting the
provision of inclusive and open public spheres for expanded public engagements.
Mr. Edward Apratwum revealed that UNDP is positioned to support and work with the Government and people of Ghana to foster the respect for human rights, the rule of law
and effective and accountable institutions and active citizenship, to ensure that people are free from fear, from all forms of violence and
feel safe as they go about their lives.
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