EU election observers pitch camp in Ghana ahead of December polls

Seven European Union election analysts were deployed to Ghana in October followed by 24 long-term observers this month as part of the Election Observation Mission (EOM) which will be joined by additional 32 short-term observers in December.

This mission will be the third to be deployed in the history of the country after the 2008 and 2012 elections upon request from the Ghanaian authorities “to enhance the transparency of the process,” the EU announced on Wednesday.

“The upcoming general elections are set to be again very competitive, which reflects the vibrant and democratic nature of Ghana’s society. We expect that the rule of law will prevail with all parties resolving any possible election disputes through dialogue and available legal remedies,” High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Federica Mogherini stated.

Tamás Meszerics, a member of the European Parliament has been appointed Chief Observer and he said he believes “the December polls can further consolidate the country track record for well-run, inclusive and peaceful elections.”

Ghanaians will be going to the polls on December 7, 2016. Six candidates are standing to be elected President of Ghana including the incumbent John Dramani Mahama who qualified to run for the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC).

The others are the main opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) candidate Nana Addo-Dankwa Akufo-Addo, the Convention People’s Party (CPP) candidate Ivor Kobina Greenstreet, independent presidential candidate Jacob Osei Yeboah, former First Lady Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings (NDP), businessman Papa Kwesi Nduom (PPP) and and the People’s National Congress’ (PNC), Dr Edward Mahama.