California’s vote counting process has often been criticized for its duration compared to other regions, including India, which is known for its efficiency in handling large-scale elections:  In recent elections, California has taken significantly longer to count votes compared to the immediate results seen in some other states. 

California has a high percentage of mail-in ballots, which require additional steps for verification, including signature checking, which delays the counting process. Ballots can be counted if postmarked by Election Day and received up to a week later, extending the counting period. Efforts to increase voter accessibility, like same-day registration and provisional ballots, add to the complexity and time needed for vote tallying. There are set deadlines for when results must be certified, which can extend past the day of the election, contributing to the perception of slow counting.

In contrast, India manages to count votes for its massive electorate with notable speed, India’s election process for its 640 million voters (in some elections) is completed in a single day for the counting phase, thanks to a highly organized system with extensive manpower and technology, despite the logistical challenges posed by its size and diversity.

The use of electronic voting machines (EVMs) since the early 2000s has significantly sped up the counting process. These machines are counted manually but at a rapid pace because of the sheer number of counters involved. There’s a growing frustration among the public and political figures in California regarding the slow pace of vote counting. Some have suggested adopting technologies or systems similar to those used in India to streamline the process, although this would require significant changes in election laws and infrastructure.

The extended vote count in California has been linked to increased distrust among some voters, as the delay in final results can lead to speculation and conspiracy theories about the integrity of the election process. Efforts are underway to possibly speed up the process through legal changes, like earlier processing of mail-in ballots and better voter education on timely ballot submission. This comparison highlights a contrast in election management philosophies; California prioritizes voter accessibility and security, which inherently slows down the counting, whereas India’s system is geared towards rapid, large-scale execution with a different approach to technology and human resources.

In the wake of the supposed tribal supremacy and tribal bigotry happening in Ghana, i take you to the colonial and post colonial dichotomies of it.

The Akan group believed to have been the first people of the present day Ghana constitute over 47%. The functions amongst the Akan began to fight themselves for supremacy, others continued to migrates to other parts. Popular battles fought were the Denkyiras and Asantes, Fantse and Asantes, Fantses and Nzemas etc. The Fantse as a result of their involvement with the Brits joined forces with them to fight the Asantes (noted as one of the fearsome tribes).

The Fight For Independence

The Asantes had fought the British for their independence and had won in most of the battles until the Sagrenti war where the Asantes attempted to conquere the British and seize the Cape Coast Castle (seat of the British rule). Together with the Fantse, Mende (Sierra Leone) and Igbo military forces and the British, the Asantes were conquered along the coast.

Diplomatic Independence 

The talks for Independence had since started amongst the Asantes and the British in 1935/1936.

The other Akan diplomats led by J.B Danquah had met the Fantse chiefs and other dignitaries in Saltpond to agree on the road map for the fight for independence. Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, who insisted on “Independence now or never”, moved ahead to convince the Asantes (who were near independence in 1936), the northern tribes and the Togoland (Ewes) to join forces to push for a joint independence. There were certain conditions to met before all parties joined in. The Asantes opted to still be recognized as it state with homage paid to it King. The Northern tribes were promised developments and education (to be inline with the southern tribes).

Post Independence Rule and Tribal Bigotry

Kwame Nkrumah focused on Free Formal Education in the North to be at pair with the south. Military power capture fueled by selfishness ignited a lot of tribal bigotry as tribesmen wanted to be in charge of government. Democratic governments played on the cards of tribalism to win favour and propagate their agenda.

Conclusion

Power struggle has always been a powered struggle with tribal bigotry playing a key role. In the Rwandan genocide, it was the majority Hutus who called the Tutsis “ cockroaches” and as such be “killed”. Naturally tribes feel supirior over other tribes these natural instincts fuel the hatred. Generally, marriages with certain tribes are frowns upon. Well! Maybe thats how it was supposed to be “stay in your lane and don’t mingle with outsiders”. Who brought us together?. Just like religion, these man-made decision breeds divisions

The Electoral Commission (EC) has recently undertaken the destruction of defective ballot papers intended for the Ahafo and Volta Regions in Ghana. 

The defective ballots were recalled due to issues with serialization errors. The automated system meant to assign accurate serial numbers to the ballots had malfunctioned, leading to discrepancies. The destruction of these ballot papers took place through burning at the Adipa Waste Management Centre near Nsawam in the Eastern Region.

This process was observed by representatives from political parties, the National Intelligence Bureau, National Security, the Ghana Police Service, and media personnel, ensuring transparency and accountability.

The EC destroyed 184 bags of defective presidential ballot papers and 66 bags of parliamentary ballot papers for the Volta Region, and 67 bags of presidential ballots and 21 bags of parliamentary ballots for the Ahafo Region. The EC has emphasized maintaining transparency throughout this process, with all affected political parties being present to witness the destruction. Certificates of destruction were issued and signed by the parties involved.

Following the destruction, the EC has plans to reprint the ballot papers for these regions. Buck Press will handle the printing for the Ahafo Region, and Acts Commercials for the Volta Region, with assurances that the new materials will meet required standards.

This action by the EC is to ensure the integrity of the upcoming December elections, addressing concerns about ballot accuracy and reinforcing public trust in the electoral process.