Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, Director of IT and Elections of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has outlined significant decisions and procedures that are set to shape the upcoming electoral processes following an Inter-Party Advisory Committee (IPAC) meeting held by the Electoral Commission with key stakeholders, including all political parties.
The meeting, which focused on ensuring inclusivity and transparency in the voting process, according him resulted in key resolutions that cater to various voter demographics, including prison inmates, students, and security personnel on special duties.
Voter Transfer Opportunities
The National Democratic Congress Director of IT and Elections began his account by stating that the Electoral Commission (EC) is set to facilitate the transfer of votes for specific groups of people from Wednesday, July 3rd to Friday, July 5th, 2024.
This initiative, he noted targets prison inmates, students, and security personnel whose special duty lists have already been submitted to the EC, adding that these groups will be allowed to transfer their votes to constituencies where they currently reside.
“NB: Prison inmates who are not yet registered voters will be registered as part of the Mop-Up limited voter registration exercise from August 1st to 3rd, 2024”.
Dr Edward Omane Boamah, Director of IT and Elections of the National Democratic Congress
This step, Dr Omane Boamah indicated is to ensure that all eligible inmates have the chance to participate in the upcoming democratic process.
Dr Omane Boamah further indicated that students wishing to transfer their votes to their respective campuses must present valid student ID cards as proof of enrollment.
However, Dr Omane Boamah stated that students are restricted from transferring their votes from their campus to other constituencies, a measure aimed at maintaining electoral integrity and preventing vote manipulation.
Observation and Transparency Measures
Furthermore, the opposition National Democratic Congress IT and Elections Director recounted that to bolster transparency, political party agents are authorized to observe the transfer process at EC District offices and the 25 campuses where the recent limited voter registration exercise took place.
This measure, according to him is expected to enhance confidence in the electoral process by allowing political parties to verify the integrity of the transfers.
Proxy Voting for Security Personnel
On proxy voting for security personnel, Dr Omane Boamah noted that security personnel who will be engaged in special duties during the election period and will be unavailable to vote in person can apply for proxy voting from July 3rd to July 5th.
Here also, Dr Omane Boamah indicated that political party agents are also permitted to observe this process, ensuring that both the original voter’s and the proxy’s biometric data are accurately captured.
Special Voters List Compilation
Moreover, Dr Edward Omane Boamah, the former Minister of Communications under the erstwhile Mahama’s administration indicated that the Electoral Commission is set to compile a Special Voters List from July 6th to July 7th, 2024.
He intimated that all security personnel whose names have been submitted for special duties must appear in their uniforms and present their voter ID cards at the EC District offices for verification.
This list, he stated aims to streamline voting for those who will be on duty during the general elections, ensuring their participation is not hindered.
“EC to review all proxy applications that did not go through biometric capture and report to the next IPAC meeting”.
Dr Edward Omane Boamah, Director of IT and Elections of the National Democratic Congress
In conclusion, Dr Omane Boamah indicated that recognizing the technical demands of the upcoming December 7th presidential and parliamentary elections, a request for IT technical support will be sent to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
This support, he posited is expected to assist the Electoral Commission in managing the technological aspects of the election efficiently.
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