#GhanaDecides: Ghana election teaches Nigerians 6 VALUABLE lessons
Early this Wednesday December 7 morning, millions of Ghanaian people left their homes in the pre-dawn darkness and made their way to the various polling booths across the country. Yen.com has full coverage of the election so far and all seems to be going well.
Nigerians are eager for elections on any level that are truly free and fair. What are some lessons that can be drawn from the Ghana elections?
1. Prisoners voting
Ghana election booth
In 2010, Ghana's Supreme court ruled that prisoners had a right to vote and for the first time in history, they voted in 2012. Once again in 2016, arrangements have been made for them to take part in the voting and according to Yen.com, about 2,276 inmates across the country have been registered.
This might help improve prison conditions in Ghana once politicians realize that the vote of prisoners count. It is a model worth copying in Nigeria.
2. Motorcycles
Ghana election security
As early as 3.20 am on December 7, voters were lined up outside the Ketan town hall polling station in Kumasi, Ghana and according to Yen.com, motorcycles were not allowed around or close to voting centers.
The Ghana electoral commission bans the use of motorcycles, and the sale of alcohol near polling stations on election day. This is to prevent snatching of ballot boxes and is a a clever move that should be replicated in Nigeria.
3. Counting
Vote counting happens in public
Another amazing thing about the elections going on in Ghana is that even in prison, all the voters will witness the public counting of the ballot and declaration of results before going back into their cells.
This is replicated everywhere as all votes will be counted under the eyes of the public. At no time will the ballot boxes leave their positions, except under the eye of the voters. This is to assure voters of security and the lack of foul play or rigging.
READ ALSO: ELECTION: Will Ghana’s president suffer same fate as Goodluck Jonathan?
4. Queues
Orderly queues in Ghana
While this point can be argued, it is believable that Ghanaian people respect queues and orderliness. The voting process last between two and seven minutes on the average, if everyone keeps to the queue.
Nigerians have a lot to learn when it comes to doing things in an orderly manner and it will be good to learn this orderliness at elections. Practice can be done at ATM queues, where a lot of disorderliness occurs.
5. Social media
Social media helps in election monitoring
A picture of the Ghana police monitoring social media keenly for reports of electoral malpractice is quite heartening as the electorate on ground constantly uses social media to make reports of what they see in their voting centers.
Proper monitoring ensures that quick action is taken to stop criminals. This is another step that can be taken to ensure free and fair elections.
READ ALSO: 8 photos of Ghanaian actress Jackie Appiah looking regal on her birthday
6. Incentives
Ghana elections benefits from corporate incentive
Finally, it is quite interesting to see that some car taxi companies are offering election transport at a discount to help people to and from the voting centers.
This is another lesson for companies in Nigeria to draw from. During elections, they can offer discounts as incentives to help build their brands and also sensitize citizens on the need to exercise their franchise.
Here is a video of one of the foremost candidates campaigning:
We wish the wonderful people of Ghana a smooth, violence-free election!
Comments
Post a Comment