Coalition of Domestic Election Observers (Accra)
7 December 2008
press release
Accra — The Coalition of Domestic Election Observers (CODEO) had deployed approximately 4,000 non-partisan local observers throughout the country. This mid-day situational report is based on reports CODEO had received from Rapid Response Reporters located at nearly 1,000 polling stations in all of Ghana's 230 constituencies. These observers are deployed to a representative random sample of polling stations across the country.
At the time of set up (opening), reports from observers suggest relatively few problems at the polling stations.
Nearly all polling stations were set up so that voters could mark their ballots in secret; were accessible to persons with disabilities and the elderly; and ballot boxes were shown to be empty, sealed and placed in public view.
At the time of set-up, some polling stations lacked uniformed security personnel. One in ten polling stations nationally reported no uniformed security personnel during set-up.
NDC and NPP had polling agents at nearly every polling station at the time of open. CPP had polling agents at approximately half of the polling stations. All the other presidential candidates were able to field polling agents at some polling stations.
Seventeen rapid response observers reported initially being denied access to polling stations despite being accredited. However, ultimately all rapid response observers were permitted to observe.
A vast majority of polling stations reported having all of the materials.
Nearly a third of polling stations reported opening late. This problem was more prevalent in Upper East region.
While the elections appear to have been generally peaceful so far, reports have been received from a few polling stations at which there was violence or disturbances. CODEO has informed both the Electoral Commission and the Police of these incidents.
CODEO is continuing to receive reports from its network of nationally deployed observers and will continue to release updated reports.
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