Mahama questions neutrality of EC ahead of election 2020

Former president John Dramani Mahama has said that he doubts the neutrality of the Electoral Commission (EC).

The National Democratic Congress (NDC) flagbearer said the EC is yet to prove that it is a transparent body.

Speaking to Accra-based Citi FM, Mahama said the posture of the EC has not been convincing ahead of the 2020 polls.

“They need to prove us wrong. We have our doubts that they can be neutral and fair… the current posture and the way they are conducting things makes us doubt that they will be neutral and fair in 2020,” he said.

In 2018, President Akufo-Addo appointed Jean Mensa to replace Charlotte Osei as the Chairperson of the EC.

The NDC has been particularly critical of Jean Mensa’s appointment, having recently clashed with the EC boss at an IPAC meeting. Mahama believes the EC boss’ posture “doesn’t give confidence that she is going to be neutral in this matter.”

“Public office is a hazard. I mean people will criticise you. The president is criticized everyday not to talk about an electoral commissioner. And so you should not become sensitive to criticism and behave as if you are at war with a political party. And so I’ll advise that she changes her posture,” he said.

Mahama also expressed concern over the lack of transparency and consultation from the commission.

According to him, the EC must shun operating in secrecy and open up to the various political parties on happenings.

“The EC is not a secret society. It is not somebody’s private closet that needs to be shut and us not know what is going on there… they should open all the process.”

“When the EC starts behaving like the representatives of political parties are a nuisance [to the Commission]… then this affects the trust and confidence the people have in the EC [which is supposed to be] a neutral arbiter,” he added.