The General Secretary of the opposition NDC, Fifi Fiavi Kwetey, has expressed guarded optimism over the Electoral Commission's (EC) improved engagement with political parties.
However, he maintained that the Commission's history of perceived bias has created a "cloud of suspicion." Speaking on Joy News' PM Express on Monday, December 2, the Ketu South MP shared his thoughts on the EC's relationship with political stakeholders under Jean Mensa's leadership and the NDC's stance heading into the 2024 elections.
Responding to remarks about the EC's openness and transparency, Mr Kwetey acknowledged progress but stated that trust remains fragile. "I've not said that they have refused to listen to our concerns," he clarified. "I would like to say it this way: when you have created the kind of cloud of suspicion that has characterised your attitude ever since the Jean Mensa group took over-and that led to a major election-and what happened in that election, and subsequent to that election, the kind of intransigence that initially was the case… it's difficult to fully trust." Mr Kwetey referred to the contentious 2020 general elections and subsequent incidents as reasons for the NDC's scepticism.
He highlighted how initial resistance from the EC to address concerns was only mitigated after interventions by mediators like the Peace Council. "The Peace Council had to step in and basically hold that meeting where we then decided, 'Listen, enough, let's start having an IPAC [Inter-Party Advisory Committee] that will be able to bring the political parties to the table.'" While acknowledging some improvement in the EC's openness, Fifi Kwetey maintained that the history of the Commission's appointments and decisions has left the NDC and others wary. "Over the period, there has been some improvement, I must admit," he conceded. "But if you look at the history, and again you look at the fact of the appointments that have been done, you naturally create an opportunity for people to always decide that I'm going to keep my eyes wide open." The legislator compared the NDC's preparation for the 2024 elections to a legendary Ghanaian boxing match, stressing vigilance and readiness for any surprises. "We are approaching this with our eyes wide open, typically like Azumah [Nelson]," he said, referencing Ghana's iconic boxing champion. "We are entering into this like a finish, Azumah finish round two, and telling ourselves we are going in, not expecting favours from the EC, not expecting favours from anybody, but we have to go in there with a decisive capacity to win." The General Secretary underscored the NDC's focus on self-reliance and determination. "We never know what it feels that [the EC] may decide to pull off in the final minute," he warned. "So, let's just say we're going in prepared for anything." Despite his criticisms, Fifi Kwetey struck a cautiously hopeful tone about the future. "We're not entering this process with blind trust, but with a strong resolve.