A political Science Lecturer at the Kwame Nkrumah University Science and Technology Dr. Amoako Baah has indicated that the rancour that has characterized the presidential filing process is because Ghana is yet to fully understand what democracy means.

He said Ghana has the strong man traditional system but has suddenly picked a political system that is based on law therefore there is a difficulty in transitioning from the rule of men to the rule of law.

Delivering a public lecture on the theme protecting the Ballot, Safe Guarding the Integrity of Elections in Ghana organised by the Let My Vote Count Alliance at the University for Development Studies in Tamale, Dr. Amoako Baah said the strong man traditional system gives an overwhelming power to the head with little or no restrictions.

He said in an established democracy what the citizens do is just to vote because they have paid an authority to ensure the work is done well  but that was not the case in Ghana.

He said even though the people pay the EC with their taxes, they still need to police the ballot because they do not have confidence in the EC.

The Political Science Lecturer said whilst people in well structured democracy accept results at polls because they trust the systems the same cannot be said about Ghana.

He said it is only the citizens who have the power through the ballot to decide which party goes or stays and not the EC.

He said the EC should not be allowed to take unilateral decisions, adding that the country would have been in turmoil had it been any of the two big political parties whose presidential candidates were disqualified by the EC.

Dr. Amoako Baah wondered why some Ghanaians are excited that some smaller political parties' candidates have been disqualified, noting that if it is accepted Ghanaians will give the EC powers the constitution have not given it.  

An Educationist Alhaji Mahama Mumuni called on the EC to ensure a level play ground for all parties in the elections in other not to create doubts in the minds of people.

He said people only get agitated when they see there is no transparency.   

Touching on political insults, Alhaji Mumuni said it was disgraceful for the highly educated elites to be mounting political platforms and making unguarded statements.

He called on the youth to stand up to such politicians.

The convenor of Let My Vote Count Alliance David Asante said it was crucial for Ghanaians as citizens to preserve the integrity of Ghana’s election.

He said the ballot represents the will of the people therefore there is need to protect the sacred will of the people.

He assured that any attempt to circumvent the will of the people must be resisted according to law.

Mr. Asante said the ramification of a stolen ballot can wreak havoc in any nation and charged all to ensure that election results are a true reflection of the will of the people.

He called on the electorate to be conversant with the electoral processes so as to insist on the right procedure and resist any form of irregularity. 

The LMVC Convenor said the series of law suits against the Electoral Commission indicate that the Ghanaian voter is willing to commit resources to ensure that due process is followed in the election.