The Institute for Democratic Governance (IDEG) and the Civic Forum Initiative (CFI) together with associate civil society network and partners has begun series of regional campaign for Multi-Party Governance (MPG) and Constitutional Reforms. The campaign follows the inauguration of IDEG and CFI National Interest Dialogue platform on Multi-Party Governance (MPG) and Constitutional Reforms ahead of the 2016 general elections. In a statement on the roadmap for a decentralized dialogue and campaign for urgent multi-party governance reforms are expected to give Ghanaians the opportunity to discuss critical issues on the reforms.
The Institute for Democratic Governance in a day sensitization workshop for journalist across the country held in Accra reiterated the importance for the establishment of a Multi-Party Governance and Constitutional Reforms to regulate the activities of political parties in the country. Multiparty elections in a democracy afford citizens a powerful weapon to demand accountability from the ruling elite and if found to be unaccountable change them for a counter elite. Executive Director of IDEG, Dr. Emmanuel Akwetey, has noted that though Ghana had organized six successful presidential and parliamentary elections, the country was faced with a number of challenges. He mentioned political violence during national elections, weakening of national cohesion, politicization, corruption and paralysis of public service bureaucracies as some of the challenges. These challenges he said call for multi-party governance system.
Election Circle and Administration Reforms
Dr. Akwetey, outlining the proposals for the multi-party governance called for the merger of presidential, parliamentary and district assembly elections. He also proposed the merger of all political parties’ internal elections.
The proposal underscored the need for the country to specify an election year and a campaign period for political party elections and as well, strengthen the Electoral Commission (EC) to streamline election administration and improve efficiency, the proposal added.
Executive Government Reforms (EGR)
Dr. Akwetey further proposed for the election of Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) over a period of time. These elections, he suggested should be at the assembly level based on political parties’ line but open to individuals and groups other than political parties.
Political Party Reforms (PPR)
The proposal called for political parties to translate their manifestoes into a 4-year medium term policy programs. “It is time for the citizenry to hold political parties accountable since some only promise and do nothing” the proposal stated. The Executive Director stressed the need for political inclusiveness, reiterating that the ‘winner takes all’ syndrome was not supportive of national development agenda.
In a presentation on treaty making processes, Dr. Linda Akua Darkwa, research fellow and focal point for training at the Center for International Affairs and Diplomacy (LECIAD) of the University of Ghana, Legon, said because Ghana is a dualist state, all international treaties must be groomed to meet the Ghanaian citizenry. Dr. Darkwa added that all treaties signed must be taken to parliament for approval before taking into force.
By: Joshua Asaah | A1radioonline.com | Ghana
