Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung@ 40 in Ghana Chapter Two Ensuring a Credible Electoral Process in Ghana: FES in Ghana Introduction Throughout the world, election management bodies(EMBs) have been established with the responsibility of administering elections. Election administration is as critical for the electoral outcome itself. The Ghana Electoral Commission(here after called the Commission) was provided for under the 1992 Constitution. Since its establishment in 1993, the EC has successfully conducted five parliamentary and presidential elections in Ghana that resulted in two democratic changes of power from one party to another which have also been made possible by the professional conduct of the Commission. The cooperation between Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung(FES) and Electoral Commission(EC) dates back to the early 1990s when the then Interim Electoral Commission was established. Ghana's Electoral Commission and Electoral Process In order to ensure the independence and autonomy of the commission, the Constitution has insulated the Commission against the direction or control of any person or authority. Several constitutional provisions concerning the Electoral Commission help to reinforce its role as an independent body, which is crucial for developing public confidence in the election process. Among these provisions are: • Article 46 says that in performing its functions, the Commission“shall not be subject to the direction or control of any person or authority” • Article 44 says its chair members have permanent tenure of office and have the same conditions of service as justices of the Superior Courts. • Article 54 says the administrative expenses of the commission shall be charged directly on the Consolidated Fund (Republic of Ghana Constitution, 1992) 101