In the lead-up to the 2024 general elections, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has expressed its intention to employ drones for the purpose of monitoring the electoral process. This initiative, however, presents a myriad of challenges that warrant careful consideration.
Dr. Serebour Quaicoe, the Director of Electoral Services at the Electoral Commission (EC), has underscored the complexity of utilizing drones in the vicinity of polling stations. He emphasized that due to the classification of polling stations as security zones, obtaining the necessary permissions from both the security agencies and the EC would be a formidable task. Dr. Quaicoe also raised pertinent concerns regarding the potential impact of drone presence on the secrecy of the ballot, thereby highlighting the intricate nature of integrating such technology into the electoral landscape.
In response to the NDC's proposal, Mr. Emmanuel Nii Ashie Moore, the Greater Accra Regional Chairman of the NDC, articulated the party's rationale behind this initiative. He outlined the objective of fortifying their monitoring mechanisms to safeguard against potential electoral malpractices, particularly rigging.
Former President John Mahama, in addressing party executives and stakeholders during his 'Building Ghana Tour' in Accra, emphasized the criticality of vigilance in ensuring a fair electoral process. He stressed the imperative of deploying astute party agents across all polling stations and emphasized the significance of appointing individuals well-versed in electoral procedures to oversee the monitoring efforts.
The prospect of leveraging drones for election monitoring undoubtedly introduces a layer of technological innovation to the electoral process. However, it is imperative to navigate the intricate web of regulatory requirements, privacy considerations, and logistical challenges associated with this endeavor. As stakeholders deliberate on the feasibility and implications of integrating drones into election monitoring, a comprehensive assessment of the potential benefits and drawbacks is indispensable.
Ultimately, the discourse surrounding the use of drones for election monitoring underscores the evolving intersection of technology and governance. As the 2024 elections loom on the horizon, it is incumbent upon all stakeholders to engage in a constructive dialogue aimed at ensuring the integrity and transparency of the electoral process while harnessing technological advancements responsibly and effectively.
-source 3news | curated by Aisha Yakubu | Ghana Crimes
