The Electoral Commission (EC) has reintroduced the use of contracted collation officers to assist in compiling election results for the upcoming December polls, a process initially adopted in 2016 but set aside in 2020.
This reinstatement aims to enhance transparency and boost credibility in the election process. Speaking to Luv FM, Francis Osei Nsiah, the EC’s Director in the Ashanti Region, explained that individuals with expertise in modern technology and data collation have been recruited specifically for this role.
“In 2016, we used collation officers, but we didn’t continue in 2020. This time, we’re bringing them back,” he said. “We’ve hired qualified professionals with expertise in data handling to ensure accurate collation at both regional and constituency levels.”
Previously, returning officers handled result collation at the constituency level, but the additional responsibilities on Election Day often proved challenging. By reintroducing specialized collation officers, the EC aims to allow returning officers to focus on other critical tasks once voting concludes.
Yaw Boadu Ayeboafo, Chairperson of the National Media Commission (NMC), also emphasized the media’s role in maintaining national peace, especially as the election nears. “We have a responsibility to ensure that, even when emotions run high, we help calm any tensions,” he noted.
With just a month remaining until the election, political parties are intensifying campaigns, and the EC is implementing measures to ensure a smooth, transparent, and credible election process.