It is important for all observers to receive accreditation from the Electoral Commission (EC). Accreditation confers official recognition and gives the observer access to the polling station. The accreditation requirements, which are listed below, are the same for both domestic and international observers.
- ♦ An application for accreditation should be addressed to the chairman of the EC and presented in reasonable time at the Commission’s head office in Accra.
- ♦ The sponsoring organization must not be affiliated to any political party in Ghana.
- ♦ The organization must submit a copy of its observation checklist to the EC
- ♦ The prospective observer should not be a political party activist.
- ♦ The name of each prospective observer, along with his/her passport size photograph, must be given to the commission, so that an accreditation card can be prepared. Under no circumstances will faceless individuals be accredited.
- ♦ Training is primarily the responsibility of the sponsoring agency.
- ♦ Evidence must be given to the EC that the persons being proposed have received training in election observation, such that they are reasonably familiar with the process to be observed and how they are required to act
- ♦ The EC may provide samples of relevant training materials and as far as time allows, will be willing to assist with training.
Once accredited, the observer is free:
- ♦ To request and obtain information from the EC and it officials on maters related to t election
- ♦ To gain access to and observe proceedings at any polling station or vote collation center of his/her choice, subject only to restriction of numbers fro purposes of avoiding overcrowding
- ♦ Within reasonable limits, to inspect and verify election materials, without interfering with them
For the purposes of access to polling stations or offices of the EC, the observer must prominently display the accreditation card or produce it on demand by election officials.