A political commentator and former General Secretary of the People's National Convention (PNC), Mr Atik Mohammed, has called on the Electoral Commission (EC) to maintain transparency and fairness as Ghana prepares for the upcoming elections.

Mr  Atik stressed the importance of the EC being not only impartial but also visibly transparent in its actions. Mr Atik underscored the EC’s pivotal role as the nation’s electoral referee.

"It’s not just enough to say you’re fair, but be seen to be fair.

The Electoral Commission has three or four things to do: to be transparent, fair, to ensure that we have free elections, and then credible elections," he emphasized.

Mr Atik further highlighted that the EC should remain neutral, having no vested interest in any candidate's success.

"The referee should have no interest," he asserted.

"Their job is to superintend over the process to a successful end."

He cautioned that even minor lapses in transparency or neutrality could damage public trust, potentially leading to widespread doubts about the election results.

"Sometimes their conduct can send wrong signals, and that is why I am cautioning that the Electoral Commission must not only be fair but must be seen to be fair as well," he added.

He spoke on Accra-based Peace FM.