The political drama unfolding in the aftermath of the Ablekuma North Parliamentary primaries has peeled back layers of simmering disquiet regarding the integrity and credibility of Ghana’s Electoral Commission, specifically under the leadership of Chairperson Jean Mensah.
What was once perceived as a partisan divide in trust has now become a complex web of accusations leaving Ghanaians to ponder a critical question: which of the two dominant parties, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) or the National Democratic Congress (NDC), truly believes in and trusts the EC Chairperson when it comes to credible elections?
For years particularly since the contentious 2020 general elections the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has vociferously articulated suspicions of EC bias, often accusing Madam Mensah of actions perceived to favour the New Patriotic Party (NPP).
The NDC’s camp consistently raised red flags, arguing that her conduct created more suspicion than confidence.
It was through what they describe as vigilant and hard work that the NDC eventually managed to secure power in 2025, a testament, in their view, to overcoming systemic obstacles.
However a startling new chapter in this trust deficit has emerged ironically from the camp of the NPP itself.
While the NDC has historically been the primary critic, recent events especially in the Ablekuma North constituency, have seen the NPP voicing significant misgivings.
The Npp was echoing a mistrust previously almost exclusively associated with the opposition.
The Ablekuma North constituency primaries one of the several local elections still grappling with troubleshooting devolved into chaos.
The process was marred by a boycott from NPP aspirants who openly registered their profound mistrust in the Commission.
Their grievance: the EC’s alleged double tongue and untrue statements regarding the commitment to a free and fair election.
The NPP’s withdrawal highlighted their belief that the EC had failed to uphold its promise of impartiality.
Now with the dust settling on these turbulent elections a perplexing paradox has emerged.
Both the NPP and the NDC are, for different reasons pointing fingers at the EC over what have been termed as election atrocities.
The NDC’s historical grievances remain, rooted in the belief that the EC’s actions since 2020 have consistently been skewed.
Yet the NPP’s recent protestations introduce a new dynamic suggesting that even those once perceived to benefit from the EC’s decisions are now questioning its veracity.
This begs the monumental questions Ghanaians are asking: In an administration led by Jean Mensah which political party if any, genuinely believes in and trusts the Electoral Commission?
Is it possible that the EC has managed to alienate both major political forces or does each party’s criticism stem from a self-serving narrative when outcomes don’t favor them?
The current state of affairs demands a candid national conversation about the neutrality and perceived bias of our electoral body.
A functioning democracy relies on trust in its electoral processes.
When both sides of the political divide express profound misgivings it casts a long shadow over the legitimacy of future electoral outcomes.
We invite Ghanaians to share their perspectives on this crucial issue.
Does the EC’s recent conduct validate long-held suspicions, or does it reveal a complex reality where trust is fleeting and conditional?
Your opinions are vital in navigating this critical ppl ppl to our democratic stability.ll
