A Senior Research Fellow at the Institute of Democratic Governance (IDEG), Kwesi Jonah has proposed changes be made in the selection of the commissioners of the Electoral Commission (EC).

He says the present mode of appointment erodes the confidence in the EC as currently the NDC is displaying in the December 7 General Elections.

According to Kwesi Jonah, when someone is appointed by a particular regime it appears he/she is there to do the bidding of the appointing authority.

As it stands now, the President appoints the EC Chairperson, two deputies and four members of the commission upon the advise of the Council of State.

The current EC boss, Madam Jean Mensah and her two deputies were appointed by President Akufo-Addo in July 2018 in consultation with the council of state after the previous boss, Charlotte Osei was and her two deputies were removed from office under contentious circumstances.

According to the Senior Research Fellow, a much more transparent, broader consultation should be initiated to change the way the EC boss and two deputies are selected.

He says there should be an amendment of the laws for Parliament to vet and approve or reject anyone nominated to occupy the EC top job.

“The process of appointing the chair, the deputy chairs, and other members of the Commission have not been very consultative and that is why anytime someone is appointed is seen as someone who is coming to serve the interest of the government that appointed him or her,” he said.

“We (Ghana) should look at it and make the process of appointment a bit more consultative, transparent, and open. Probably amend a section of the provisions of appointment so the chair will be vetted by Parliament and be voted upon,” he added.