Former Nigerian President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, has commended Ghana’s security apparatus and key electoral institutions for their efforts in ensuring a smooth and credible election process.
Speaking at a media briefing during his visit as part of an international election observer team, Dr. Jonathan emphasised the critical role of institutional integrity in conducting credible elections across Africa.
“Three institutions are vital to the success of elections; the electoral management body, the security services and the judiciary,” he remarked.
“If these three do their work without compromise, politicians will have no choice but to play by the rules.”
Dr. Jonathan likened politicians to soccer players, stating that while they may push boundaries, it is up to referees – the institutions – to enforce the rules.
“Without proper oversight, players might score goals with their hands or break the legs of opponents,” he added, underscoring the need for impartial regulation of the electoral process.
During his briefing, Dr. Jonathan praised the Inspector General of Police (IGP) for his proactive leadership, noting the IGP’s hands-on involvement in election monitoring.
“I was impressed to see the IGP in the Situation Room himself, leading from the front,” he said. “It’s rare to see such direct involvement and it reflects a serious commitment to ensuring a secure election.”
Despite the largely positive outlook, Dr. Jonathan acknowledged reports of isolated incidents of violence. He made reference to police briefings, where one person died, and another was injured in the northern region, while a shooting incident in the central region left one person injured.
“We hope these will be the only negative events in this election,” he said, urging all stakeholders to work towards peaceful outcomes.
Drawing comparisons across the continent, Dr. Jonathan noted progress in electoral processes in many African nations. He cited Botswana as an example of commendable practices but acknowledged that challenges persist in others.
“Human nature is prone to greed, but strong institutions guided by laws and regulations can curb these tendencies,” he said.
The former president detailed the role of the judiciary as crucial in resolving electoral disputes.
He likened its function to the use of video referees in soccer, ensuring decisions are fair and transparent. “When electoral issues are taken to the judiciary, and they uphold integrity, it builds confidence in the system,” he remarked.
Moving forward, Dr. Jonathan expressed optimism about Ghana’s election, saying the combination of robust security arrangements and committed leadership from key institutions provides hope for a peaceful and credible outcome.
He urged African nations to continue improving their electoral systems, aspiring to the standards set by the most transparent democracies globally.
“While we have seen significant improvements, there’s still room to grow. Elections can be challenging even in established democracies, but progress in Africa is undeniable,” he concluded.
Dr. Jonathan is leading an observer mission under the auspices of the Electoral Institute for Sustainable Democracy in Africa (EISA), reaffirming his commitment to promoting democracy across the continent.
