{
  "id": 14007667,
  "title": "Credible elections are the cornerstone of democracy – New Deputy EC Chairperson",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/12/credible-elections-are-the-cornerstone-of-democracy-new-deputy-ec",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-12T16:41:01.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "MyJoyOnline Ghana",
    "slug": "myjoyonline-ghana",
    "url": "https://www.myjoyonline.com/credible-elections-are-the-cornerstone-of-democracy-new-deputy-ec-chairperson/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Dr Joseph Kwaku Asamoah, the newly appointed Deputy Chairperson of the Electoral Commission (EC), has underscored the significance of free, fair, and credible elections in Ghana's democratic progression. During his inauguration on October 12, 2026, Dr Asamoah vowed to guarantee that each citizen's vote is valued and that the Commission serves the nation's interests rather than partisan political ones. He reiterated that the legitimacy of elections is fundamental to democratic governance and that it is the Electoral Commission's constitutional duty to safeguard the people's will. \"Free, fair, and credible elections are the bedrock of any democratic society,\" Dr Asamoah stated, stressing that the EC's primary duty and allegiance lie with the people of Ghana. He reminded Ghanaians that Article 1 of the 1992 Constitution granted sovereignty to the populace, who express this power through their votes. Dr Asamoah urged citizens to appreciate the importance of their role in the electoral process, stating, \"Fellow Ghanaians, your vote is your voice and your future. It must be heard and it will be heard.\" The new Deputy Chairperson further pledged that the Commission's authority would never be utilized to undermine citizens or repress its personnel. He affirmed that the Commission would remain transparent to public scrutiny, even while maintaining a firm stance against potential criticism and ensuring its power is not employed to suppress or intimidate staff. Dr Asamoah also pledged to collaborate with the Commission's staff and other stakeholders to develop and implement electoral policies and reforms that would bolster Ghana's democratic institutions. He emphasized that the Commission's actions would be guided by a commitment to national interest rather than partisan political considerations. \"This endeavor will rest on zero tolerance for partisan political interest and 100% tolerance for national interest,\" he declared. Dr Asamoah also quoted Donald A. Adams, an early president of RACRI International, on the core values necessary for effective public service, saying, \"To give real service, you must add something which cannot be bought or measured with money, and that is sincerity and integrity.\" Dr Asamoah, along with his colleague Afi, vowed to uphold these values in their respective roles. By committing to prioritize national interest, safeguard citizens' voting rights, and advocate for electoral reforms, Dr Asamoah stated that the Commission would strive to ensure that the Ghanaian electorate's will remains central to the democratic process.",
  "summary": "Newly appointed Deputy Chairperson of the Electoral Commission (EC), Dr Joseph Kwaku Asamoah, has emphasised the importance of free, fair and credible elections to Ghana’s democratic development, pledging to ensure that every citizen’s vote counts and that the Commission puts national interest above partisan political considerations.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "MyJoyOnline Ghana",
        "title": "Credible elections are the cornerstone of democracy – Joseph Asamoah",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/12/credible-elections-are-the-cornerstone-of-democracy-joseph-asamoah",
        "published": "2026-10-12T16:41:01.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}