GhanaElection 2008 · · · What domestic observers do should not be different in character from what international observers do. the cost of international observers does not allow for enough observers to cover all the polling centres. International election observation tends to wane as a country gains experience in organising democratic elections; and yet our elections will require continued observation for quite some time to come. For these reasons the EC believes that domestic election observation needs to be put on a very firm footing. Additionally, well executed election observation has been found to be useful in strengthening the democratisation process in several ways, including the calming of nerves and boosting of confidence in the electoral process, particularly vis à vis opposition politician's distrust for the EC, government or both. The guide is very insightful. The content concentrates on important elements of observation ranging from the meaning of election observation through all the issues involved in observation to mode and process of accreditation. A critical platform was created under protecting the'integrity of the ballot project.' for the first time. Apart from the established IPAC meetings between the EC and the political parties, the EC organised a meeting for all the presidential candidates who were able to file their nomination papers to contest the elections, their running mates and their party chairmen to deliberate on pertinent issues pertaining to the elections and get assurances from them regarding the acceptance of the elections results and their pledge for fair campaigning. The EC on the other hand assured the flag bearers of its willingness and preparedness to conduct a credible and transparent poll. The Role of Security Agencies Security plays an important role in elections management. Security for all electoral activities was provided by the Ghana Police Service with support from the Ghana Armed Forces and other security agencies. A joint taskforce made up of the Ghana Police Service, Bureau of National Investigation, and the Armed Forces named National Security Taskforce was mandated to provide security at all stages of the 2008 General Elections. This became necessary as a result of the simmering tension in the nation at the time. 16