The Coalition of Domestic Election Observers (CODEO), has deployed 50 personnel to observe voting in the 47 districts affected by the creation of six new regions.  

“This is in line with CODEO’s objective of promoting electoral transparency, accountability and credibility towards peaceful outcomes,” CODEO said in a statement issued on Boxing Day.

The referendum, if successful, will see the creation of six more regions -Western North, Ahafo, Bono East, Oti, North East and Savanna (WABONS)- to add to the existing 10.

Related: Stay away; Krachiwura to anti-Oti region groups

On Christmas Eve, key professionals like security officers, Electoral Commission officials and journalists who will be working on the day of voting, participated in special voting ahead of the main election on Thursday, December 27.

Outlining the role the CODEO team on the ground will be playing, the statement indicated: “CODEO observers will visit various polling stations within their assigned districts, paying attention to key electoral processes such as the setting-up and opening of polls, verification and voting processes, close-of-polls and counting processes, as well as results collation.”

The statement which was signed by CODEO’s National Coordinator, Albert Arhin said the observers will also focus on the conduct of election officials and other stakeholders including, security personnel and voters.

Meanwhile, CODEO is calling on all stakeholders particularly, the Electoral Commission (EC), security agencies, traditional authorities, the media and various campaigners to play their relevant roles towards the success of the process.

“Specifically, CODEO calls on the EC to ensure all arrangements put in place for the exercise are adequate and ensure free, fair and credible election outcomes. CODEO also calls on the security agencies to ensure all voters exercise their right in a peaceful atmosphere.

“To traditional leaders and the various campaigners on the referendum question, CODEO urges calm and the respect of individual rights and differences. CODEO will subsequently share with the public, its observation findings on the exercise,” it urged.