Spice 91.9 FM partners with NCCE to educate voters and reduce spoiled ballots ahead of 2024 elections
In the build-up to the 2024 elections, Spice 91.9 FM has partnered with the National Commission for Civic Education, NCCE, to educate the public on the proper ways of casting their vote, and a bid to reduce spoilt ballot papers.
This partnership aims to educate the Ghanaian public on the proper procedures for casting their vote, with a particular focus on addressing the growing concern of invalid or rejected ballots, which have been a recurring issue in successive elections.
The Problem of Spoiled Ballots in Ghana’s Elections
Over the years, Ghana has witnessed significant numbers of spoiled or rejected ballots, a problem that has led to concerns about voter education and the efficiency of the voting process. A spoiled ballot occurs when a voter makes an error or engages in an invalid act that renders their vote uncountable. This may be due to a variety of reasons—some intentional, some accidental—ranging from improper marking of the ballot paper to making protest votes that do not follow the correct voting guidelines.
NCCE’s Role in Civic Education
The National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) is the governmental body responsible for educating the public on democratic values, electoral processes, and the importance of active participation in national affairs. The NCCE’s involvement in the 2024 election campaign is crucial, as it has been tasked with ensuring that voters fully understand their rights and responsibilities when they step into the voting booth.
The Director of the Western Regional NCCE, Lan Kwame Tugbenu addressed these concerns head-on, emphasizing the need for comprehensive voter education in light of the challenges posed by the growing number of rejected ballots.
Mr. Kwame Tugbenu noted that mostly rejected ballot(s) can happen when a voter engages in protest votes to express their displeasure in a choice of a certain candidate and deliberate an attempt on the part of a voter.
The Partnership with Spice 91.9 FM
The collaboration between Spice 91.9 FM, a popular radio station in the region, and the NCCE is timely and strategic. It aims to reach a broader audience across diverse demographics. Through this partnership, the NCCE leverages Spice 91.9 FM’s reach and influence to spread awareness about the importance of casting a valid vote.
The educational campaign is designed to target multiple aspects of the electoral process, focusing on teaching voters the correct way to vote. This includes familiarizing the electorate with the different candidates listed on the ballot paper, as well as providing step-by-step instructions on how to fill out the ballot in a way that ensures it is counted.
The Importance of Voter Familiarity with the Ballot
One of the key aspects of the public education campaign is the need for voters to familiarize themselves with the candidates they will be voting for, as well as the different political parties and positions on the ballot. Many voters may approach the election without a clear understanding of who is on the ballot, which can lead to confusion and mistakes when casting their vote.
Lan Kwame Tugbenu highlighted this as a major concern, noting that a lack of awareness regarding the candidates on the ballot can lead to voting errors. He further emphasized that voters should take the time to study the candidates and their manifestos before election day in order to make an informed decision.
The Mock Election: A Step Toward Empowering Voters
As part of the public education efforts, the NCCE and Spice 91.9 FM have introduced a mock election initiative, designed to engage the public in the electoral process and give them a hands-on understanding of how voting works. The mock election is an innovative way to simulate the experience of casting a ballot, allowing voters to practice marking their ballots correctly and familiarize themselves with the voting procedures ahead of the actual election.
The mock election serves several purposes. First, it allows voters to become comfortable with the format of the ballot paper, which may include a list of candidates, party logos, and political positions. By participating in this mock exercise, voters can avoid the confusion that often arises when they encounter a real ballot for the first time.
The NCCE and Spice 91.9 FM are making use of this opportunity to demystify the electoral process and reduce the likelihood of mistakes on election day.
It also reinforces the idea that every vote counts and that casting a valid ballot is an important civic duty.
The NCCE’s peace-building efforts include organizing public campaigns, holding discussions on the importance of peaceful elections, and promoting tolerance and respect among different political factions. In the context of the 2024 elections, these efforts are crucial for ensuring that the election process is free, fair, and peaceful.
The partnership between Spice 91.9 FM and the NCCE is a positive development that seeks to address the critical issues of voter education and electoral integrity ahead of the 2024 general elections. By focusing on reducing the number of rejected ballots and promoting peaceful participation.
In all, the mock elections took place in 6 constituencies of the Western Region; namely, Shama, Sekondi, Essikado – Ketan, Effia, Takoradi and Kwesimintsim.
The mock elections and other educational initiatives are vital tools in ensuring that every vote counts and that the people of Ghana can continue to take pride in their democratic system.
