Evangelist ALBERT FORSON, executive director of Positive Mindset International (PMI), a civil society organisation, has appealed to the Electoral Commission and Parliament to reconsider its policy of excluding the media from the special voting arrangement during the December 7, general elections.
Evangelist Forson, who proposed an urgent meeting of the EC, Parliament, Inter-Party Advisory Committees, Ghana Journalists Association, National Media Commission and the Attorney-General, to dialogue on the issue, noted that it has already generated public agitation and concern.
�The media�s monitoring and reporting in previous elections provided quick feed-back to the EC with regards to shortage of ballot papers, ballot boxes and voting materials in some electoral areas. Its monitoring and reporting role therefore would be negatively affected when they join citizens to queue for their turn to vote on Election Day,� he said.
He continued that the communication system of the EC for constant information sharing and quick feedback on issues demanding immediate resolution was considered ineffective and weak without the assistance of the media.
�The new policy may be well intentioned, but the publicity and public education has been very poor and participation of civil society organizations regarding such an important policy change which may affect the quality of the elections has been lacking.
�PMI therefore is appealing to the EC to ensure that whatever it takes to review this policy and allow the media to participate in the special voting is encouraged and applauded,� Evangelist Forson further stated.
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