The Coalition of Domestic Election Observers (CODEO) has deployed over 4,000 trained observers across Ghana to ensure that today’s presidential and parliamentary elections, scheduled for December 7, 2024, are conducted in a free, fair, and transparent manner.
At the launch of the National Information Center (NIC) in Accra, Rev. Dr. Fred Deegbe, Co-Chair of CODEO, emphasized the importance of this initiative in protecting Ghana’s democratic processes.
The NIC will serve as a central hub for monitoring and coordinating data during the elections, providing real-time updates and analysis.
CODEO’s comprehensive deployment plan includes observers in all 276 constituencies nationwide.
Among these are 3,401 Rapid Response Observers (RROs), consisting of 1,500 Parallel Vote Tabulation (PVT) observers and 1,000 youth observers.
These observers will monitor activities at polling stations, from setup to the declaration of results.
In addition, 307 regional coordinators and constituency supervisors, along with members of CODEO’s advisory board, will serve as roaming observers, providing oversight across all constituencies.
Observers will also be stationed at critical collation centers, including 276 constituency collation centers, 16 regional centers, and the National Collation Center in Accra.
To further bolster transparency, CODEO will use the Parallel Vote Tabulation (PVT) methodology, a statistical technique where observers record official presidential results declared at polling stations and submit them to CODEO.
These results will be used to estimate national outcomes, offering a benchmark to compare with the Electoral Commission’s official results.
“This method not only deters manipulation but also builds public confidence in the electoral process,” said Rev. Dr. Deegbe.
Since October, CODEO has conducted intensive training for its observers, focusing on electoral laws, observation techniques, and codes of conduct.
Two national simulation exercises on December 3 and December 5 ensured the readiness of both the observers and the communication systems.
“All our observers have been accredited by the Electoral Commission, and we are confident they are fully prepared to undertake this critical national duty,” Rev. Dr. Deegbe assured.
He further called on all stakeholders, including voters, political parties, and election officials, to maintain peace and integrity throughout the electoral process.
“Credible elections are the foundation of democracy,” he stated, underscoring the NIC’s crucial role in ensuring accurate and timely reporting of results.
