THE DEAN OF STUDENT AFFAIRS, PROF ROSINA I. KYEREMATEN GOES FOR ONLINE VOTING FOR CONDUCTING STUDENT ELECTIONS IN UG

March 31, 2023

Source: Samuel K. Owusu

Dear University of Ghana Community,

I write to inform you of the latest development in the democratic process of electing student leaders in the university. The Dean of Student Affairs, Professor Rosina I. Kyerematen, in a letter dated 29th March 2023, has announced that all student elections shall be held online via the University of Ghana Computing System (UGCS) electronic platform.

While this news has been well received by some members of the community, others have expressed concern over the potential implications of e-voting

Whereas the news has come as a shock to some potential aspirants of the various Departmental, JCR, and SRC elections, it is important to note that this decision was made after careful consideration of the current situation and with the best interests of the university community at heart. Find below the Dean of Student Affairs Letter:

The traditional form of electing leaders around the world has always been a ballot paper issuance, and some argue that this is the best democratic form. However, in the current digital age, there is a growing trend towards e-voting systems that are secure, efficient, and convenient.

However, there are some concerns that people may be disenfranchised in the e-voting system because of the precedence of technical glitches and cyber attacks. It is important to note that the UGCS platform has been rigorously tested and proven to be secure and efficient. The chief Information Technology Officer (CITO) of UGCS will also put measures in place to ensure that everyone has access to the platform and can vote without any issues.

It is also worth noting that some students have received the Dean of Student Affairs message as the best option, considering the pre and post-election violence, schemes, and rigging that come every year, leading to the destruction of properties and students sustaining major injuries. There are other students who find themselves between the two opposing sides and are willing to accept whichever medium is used for the election.

As we move forward, we must all work together to ensure that the election process is transparent and credible. It is important for all students to participate in the process and exercise their right to vote. We also urge all candidates and their supporters to conduct themselves in a peaceful and respectful manner when the need arise, regardless of the outcome of the elections.

In conclusion, the decision to hold online student elections via the UGCS platform is a step towards a more efficient, secure, and convenient democratic process. It is our hope that this decision will contribute to a more peaceful and credible election process, and we urge all members of the university community to support this initiative.

Sincerely,

Samuel Kwame Owusu

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